It doesn't matter that millions read as long as you share it with somebody. So I don't really think about readers or editors. You especially should never think of editors - especially never think about reviewers.

Whenever I write, I write what I find to be the way people are. I never use any symbolism at all, but if you write as true to life as you possibly can, people will see symbolism. They'll all see different symbolism, but they're apt to because you can see it in life.

Sometimes a manuscript is like bread dough. You have to abuse it.

Every time I think I know what's right and wrong, I end up being wrong. All I want to do is explore. I want to see what people would do. I say, 'What would this person do in this situation?' and I write it down. I'm not writing manifestos of my political views.

You read about somebody, and it doesn't really matter whether or not they really exist - the point is that you get into them like real characters.

That's the way we see life: your community is your survival. And if you live in a small community like this, even the people you hate you have as friends.