We inherit from parents and others not only physical characteristics and mannerisms, but unresolved dilemmas, unresolved losses, dreams that didn’t happen.—Jane Anne Phillips, interviewed by Sarah Anne Johnson

I’ve always been drawn to the idea of trying to trim away rather than add on. Hoping that by trimming away I can then focus a little bit more, and not let so much of life slip through my fingers.—Mark Salzmans

I’m interested in the way people deal with the inexplicable in their lives. Things that can’t be named, can’t be nailed down.—Dan Chaon, interviewed by Misha Angrist

It was more a laissez-faire way of teaching. They said here’s where you’re doing something right and here’s where you’re doing something wrong. It was up to you to figure out what to do about it.—Kent Haruf, interviewed by Jim Nashold

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