When we reach reflexively for something to dull an ache inside of us, in that very moment of reaching, we are hiding from our pain. We're storing it away. Tamping it down. Dani Shapiro achedullhide Change image and share on social
Music inspires me and puts me in the right mood, but to actually listen to it when I write - I find it gets in the way. Dani Shapiro findinspirelisten Change image and share on social
We secretly believe that if only we achieve some elusive goal - fitting into a pair of skinny jeans, or redoing our kitchen or getting that promotion - that it will make us happy. But the pain of our insecurity is hidden in all that racing around. Dani Shapiro achieveelusivefit share on social
If you are a writer or any kind of artist, if you change something as fundamental as where you live - the way you live - then I think you change the very instrument that is trying to make the art. Dani Shapiro artartistchange Change image and share on social
With each book you write you have to learn how to write that book - so every time, you have to start all over again. Dani Shapiro booklearnstart Change image and share on social
Sometimes, I'm driving along in my car, and a song from my high-school years comes on the radio: Springsteen's 'Thunder Road.' Just the opening few chords make me want to roll down the window and let the wind blow back my hair. Dani Shapiro backblowcar share on social
I was raised in an observant Jewish household, so for me, Hebrew prayers - the sounds, the sunlight streaming in from the stained-glass windows of a synagogue - bring my father back to me as surely as if he were sitting next to me, my head pressed against his shoulder. Dani Shapiro backbringfather share on social
Strange - I'm not much of a film person. I love watching films, but they don't stay with me the way books do. Stranger still, because my husband is a screenwriter! Dani Shapiro bookfilmhusband Change image and share on social
How do we live the writer's life? There's only one simple answer: 'we write.' Dani Shapiro answerlifelive Change image and share on social
Confidence is highly overrated when it comes to creating literature. A writer who is overly confident will not engage in the struggle to get it exactly right on the page - but rather, will assume that she's getting it right without the struggle. Dani Shapiro assumeconfidenceconfident share on social
