For my own family, I would always choose the makeshift, surrogate family formed by various characters unrelated by blood. Anne Tyler bloodcharacterchoose Change image and share on social
I've always thought a hotel ought to offer optional small animals. I mean a cat to sleep on your bed at night, or a dog of some kind to act pleased when you come in. You ever notice how a hotel room feels so lifeless? Anne Tyler actanimalbed share on social
I forget a book as soon as I finish writing it, which is not always a good thing. Anne Tyler bookfinishforget Change image and share on social
The Amateur Marriage grew out of the reflection that of all the opportunities to show differences in character, surely an unhappy marriage must be the richest. Anne Tyler amateurcharacterdifference Change image and share on social
I just want to be told a story, and I want to believe I'm living that story, and I don't give a thought to influences or method or any other writerly concerns. Anne Tyler concerngiveinfluence Change image and share on social
I was standing in the schoolyard waiting for a child when another mother came up to me. Have you found work yet? she asked. Or are you still just writing? Anne Tyler askchildfind Change image and share on social
None of my own experiences ever finds its way into my work. However, the stages of my life - motherhood, middle age, etc. - often influence my subject matter. Anne Tyler ageexperiencefind Change image and share on social
At most I'll spend three or four hours daily, sometimes less. Anne Tyler dailyhourspend Change image and share on social
It's true that it's a solitary occupation, but you would be surprised at how much companionship a group of imaginary characters can offer once you get to know them. Anne Tyler charactercompanionshipgroup Change image and share on social
I don't want to say I hear voices; well, actually I do hear voices, but I don't think it's supernatural. I think it's just that when characters are given enough texture and backbone, then lo and behold, they stand on their own. Anne Tyler backbonebeholdcharacter share on social