I'm fascinated by the magic realism used by many writers. I think it goes hand-in-hand with the Indian experience. It's a very different way of viewing the world.

The history needs to serve the story, not the story the history. But at the same time you can't stray too far.

People will say that Canada, unlike America, was not birthed from violence. But I want to say, "What are you talking about?" It's just not true.

There's the concept that dreams are as important - if not more important - than reality. The attention that one pays to those things in the shadows is very much a part of the Indian experience.

America seems to celebrate its more violent past, but Canada doesn't like to recognize those things. The willingness to accept the existence of violence separates our two countries.

Sometimes, it's not getting what we want that offers us the most important Lessons

I never want to play down to the reader. I think readers are willing to go along if they're intrigued.

The beliefs of Native people are no less powerful or important just because they focus on a different "form of magic."

We aren't the masters of the earth. We're the servants.

I believe truly that Canada is a living history and we're going through some of the most important time in this country's short 150 years.

There’s something sexy in cooking for a man who likes my food. Am I growing up?

Eli was right. The measure of success isn't what you gain. It's what you pay to get it.

There's a lot to be said for being alone. But you and I know, don't we, Flavia, that being alone and being lonely are not at all the same thing?

deep inside the eyes of a true lover lies the heart of a true lover.

The best way out of a difficulty is through it.

Once a profound truth has been seen, it cannot be 'unseen'. There's no 'going back' to the person you were. Even if such a possibility did exist... why would you want to?

When the heart dares to speak, it needs no preparation.

Television allowed me to kick the Hollywood habit of typing an actor in certain roles.

I've been the queen of dysfunction and made every mistake one can make.

When Cromwell instructed his portraitist to paint him 'warts and all', he meant both halves of that equation. To teach the warts alone is morbid and unhealthy.

Were I a cloud I'd gather My skirts up in the air, And fly I well know whither, And rest I well know where.