Genre categories are irrelevant. I dislike them, but I do not have the casting vote.

Why they vote for me is irrelevant, but if they do, they're in safe hands.

Writers tell stories better, because they've had more practice, but everyone has a book in them. Yes, that old cliche.

Usually the characters lead, but sometimes you have such a strong theme that... they won't let you.

I held out my book. It was precious to me, as were all the things I'd written; even where I despised their inadequacy there was not one I would disown. Each tore its way from my entrails. Each had shortened my life, killed me with its own special little death.

I hate the way, once you start to know someone, care about them, their behavior can distress you, even when it's unreasonable and not your fault, even if you were really trying to be careful, tactful.