I wanted very much to be Miles Davis when I was a boy, but without the practice. It just looked like an endless road.

I don't write under the ghost of Faulkner. I live in the same town and find his life and work inspiring, but that's it. I have a motorcycle and tool along the country lanes. I travel at my own speed.

Voice comes to you through a spell, a trance. The best voices are not you... they're a little away from you.

You need to see a bit of hell now and then. That, and great joy.

Professional Southerners sicken me.

I grew up when people seemed actually to be hurting themselves for their art. Of course, some of it was phony.

You've got to lie to stay halfway interested in yourself.