Elinor Lipman

Five hundred words a day is what I aim for. And I don't go on to the next chapter until I've polished and polished and polished the one I'm working on.

I wear a pedometer, aiming for five miles a day - don't be too impressed; that includes walking around my house and food shopping.

I watch golf on television, although I don't golf - except for visits to the driving range in spurts.

I studied international relations and economics at the University of Virginia. I paid my way by working as a bartender in the summer and at three part-time jobs during the year.

If my house was on fire, I can't compromise about which part of the house I'm going to save. You save the whole house or it will all burn down. We either save this country or we do not.

Boston is known for its innovation.