Ann Patchett

People gave me such a bad time about wanting a baby. I didn't want a baby, and I still don't. I wanted a dog. ”

I don't know how to write a novel in the world of cellphones. I don't know how to write a novel in the world of Google, in which all factual information is available to all characters. So I have to stand on my head to contrive a plot in which the characters lose their cellphone and are separated from technology. ”

I believe I can solve others' problems. It's great when it works, but for the most part, it's very unappealing. ”