210 Quotes by Maria Semple

After decades spent in rewrite rooms surrounded by other shouting writers, I discovered that I work best alone. I like being in charge of my time, working out the problems according to my own rhythms and being able to nap. That’s a big one, the napping on demand!

A live concert needs to be listened to live. Otherwise, it’s like eating day-old salad.

I think thats the most important job of a novelist – to bring authority to their writing.

Her goal is always deep understanding of a given topic, not merely getting a good grade.

Maggie Shipstead’s prose is so graceful and muscular, so dazzling, so sure-handed and fearless, that at times I had to remind myself to breathe. Astonish Me is a treasure of small surprises.

Earlier this year, I’d told a mother at school I’d been married fifteen year. She asked, “What’s the secret to a long marriage?” I thought for a second, then answered, “Staying married.

Breezy, sophisticated, hilarious, rude and aching with sweetness: LOVE, NINA might be the most charming book I’ve ever read.

I love you, Bee,” Mom said. “I’m Trying. Sometimes it works. Sometimes it doesn’t.

You try your best, or you don’t try your best. The mountains don’t care.