One thing I don't want to feel is marketplace pressure, so I'm really glad I enjoy teaching because I can rely on that for a salary. I think it would be such a different game if I had to write a book that has to sell well. Aimee Bender bookenjoyfeel share on social
When language is treated beautifully and interestingly, it can feel good for the body: It's nourishing; it's rejuvenating. Aimee Bender beautifullybodyfeel Change image and share on social
As a kid, I liked making up stories, and I wrote a story about a kangaroo and a bat with Christy Chang, and she went on to become a surgeon. Aimee Bender batchangchristy Change image and share on social
For me, even in my first book, the pleasures of writing anything magical is that it has to be physical. It has to be grounded and very much in this world. Then, I get to play with all the consequences of this new thing. Aimee Bender bookconsequenceground share on social
I like the idea of a place that is dealing with painful, messy, frightening, and very human events that is also so beautiful and ethereal. Aimee Bender beautifuldealethereal Change image and share on social
I think teaching keeps me honest because if I'm up in front of a class talking about what I think is important about fiction while knowing I myself have just failed to do that hours earlier at my computer - it's a good and humbling reminder. Aimee Bender classcomputerearly share on social
In terms of foods for me, I think I have more of the usual associations - foods from childhood that I associate with care and love, from relatives or special restaurants like the kind elderly man who dusted seasoning salt on French fries at the corner burger joint. Aimee Bender associateassociationburger share on social
I'm obsessed with adolescence. I love to write about people in their 20s. It's such a fraught and exciting and kind of horrible time. Aimee Bender 20sadolescenceexcit Change image and share on social
I love the idea of numerology, but I don't really believe in it. But I like thinking about what numbers convey. Aimee Bender conveyidealove Change image and share on social
I like birthday cake. It's so symbolic. It's a tempting symbol to load with something more complicated than just 'Happy birthday!' because it's this emblem of childhood and a happy day. Aimee Bender birthdaycakechildhood Change image and share on social
