I've written six novels and four pieces of nonfiction, so I don't really have a genre these days.

The problem is acceptance, which is something we're taught not to do. We're taught to improve uncomfortable situations, to change things, alleviate unpleasant feelings. But if you accept the reality that you have been given- that you are not in a productive creative period- you free yourself to begin filling up again.

What an incredible drug fear is.

You don't always have to chop with the sword of truth. You can point with it too.

Think of a fine painter attempting to capture an inner vision, beginning with one corner of the canvas, painting what she thinks should be there, not quite pulling it off, covering it over with white paint, and trying again, each time finding out what her painting isn't, until she finally finds out what it is. And when you finally do find out what one corner of your vision is; you're off and running.

Rationality squeezes out much that is rich and juicy and fascinating.

I feel incredibly successful. I make a living as a writer and am able to help support a big family, my church, my bleeding-heart causes.