In a way, I feel survival is always my subject matter. - Alice Hoffman

you can't run away by ignoring the truth. Truth follows you; it comes in through open windows and drifts under doors. When it comes to sorrow, no one is immune. (preface)

It's so easy for me—and probably other writers—to write something and think, "This is garbage, I'm throwing it out." But if you give yourself time, you can write your way into the story. So I try not to read it until I have about 50 pages. Then I feel like I have enough distance, and I'm not as highly critical of myself.

For me—and I think for most writers—you're a reader first and then it just happens. You so love it that you want to be part of it, and you start writing.