We write to expose the unexposed. Most human beings are dedicated to keeping that one door shut. But the writer's job is to see what's behind it, to see the bleak unspeakable stuff, and to turn the unspeakable into words - not just into any words but if we can, into rhythm and blues. You can't do this without discovering your own true voice, and you can't find your true voice and peer behind the door and report honestly and clearly to us if your parents are reading over your shoulder.

I write everything as a wake-up call to myself and others, to anyone who may have gotten tired of hitting the snooze button.

The women's movement burst forth when I was fifteen. That was when I began to believe that life might semi-work out after all. The cavalry had arrived. Women were starting to say that you got to tell the truth now, that you had to tell the truth if you were going to heal and have an authentic life.

That thing you had to force yourself to do-the actual act of writing-turns out to be the best part.

I remember staring at my son endlessly when he was an infant, stunned by his very existence, wondering where on earth he had come from.

Living on Earth has always been a dangerous way to spend your time.

Forgiveness is giving up all hope of having had a better past.