Adriana Trigiani Quotes

I have a new book coming out, so I do movie, book, movie, book, movie, book, every place we go.

I don’t leave the house without a book, and I never watch television without one, either.

But the most precious research to me came from the paperwork filed on behalf of my grandparents and great-grandfather. The ship‘s manifest showed that they could read and write. I am still emotional when I look at those boxes checked yes.

You don’t get everything you want. That doesn’t exist in this realm.

Everything I’ve done in my life has been dictated by the fact that I like to be home at night and in bed.

If there is one thing I hope my books do always and forever, it’s that they honor working people.

Koverman is one of my favorite Hollywood characters because she was the brains of MGM, and not many people know about her.

I don’t settle in any other area of my life when it comes to excellence, so why should I lower my standards when it comes to boys?

On the cover of ‘All the Stars‘ is a red grosgrain ribbon. It’s Loos’s ribbon. Ageless, fabulous Loos – she tricked the very people who would have cast her aside like an old shoe if they knew the truth.

I don’t like any art form barraged in violence or hurt.

I have to work hard. I’m not naturally great at anything. I have to work really, really hard.

Writing is writing. It’s an abiding, wonderful talent, craft, gift that stays with you your whole life. And you can go in different forms, and you can try them. Look at me: I’m writing novels because I found something I love because I tried it.

I have held the following jobs: office temp, ticket seller in movie theatre, cook in restaurant, nanny, and phone installer at the Super Bowl in New Orleans.

Comedy is a reaction to the world, and I think it really helps to be an outsider. I’ve always been very interested in people’s behavior, to the point of being obsessed – seeing what people needed and reading them, I think that’s the backbone of comedy.

Everything has to be clean and orderly when I sit down to write. I have candles going, and small objects that remind me of what I am working on, or bring me into the world of the character.

I get very attached to places.

I loved to read, still do, and it seemed that the writing was a result of the love of books and reading and libraries.

I can’t take just one book with me anywhere.

When I was young, I was stupid, and I thought maybe I would write the fancy stuff.

Food is so important – it sustains us, it provides a social focal point, and it is fun. I cannot unravel the difference between love in my family and the preparation of food because they are so closely woven.

I understand how a first impression is often just that: a quick snapshot that, on its own merit, is meaningless.

There are two phone calls parents don’t ever want to get from their children. No. 1 is, ‘I’m in prison. Come fetch me.’ And No. 2 is, ‘I’ve written a novel… and it’s set in your hometown.’

I live in the greatest city in the world for research.

‘Off With Their Heads‘ by Frances Marion. I love a showbusiness autobiography – and this one resonates because it’s written by one of the great Hollywood screenwriters.

I’m very organized – and the best thing – when you love your work, you don’t mind putting in 15 hour days. It’s joyful.