I like living near my family, and near the people I understand the best. The landscape of Michigan speaks to me, and the humility and humor of the people here makes sense. It just feels right to live here, in a place where I don't dare put on airs.

My donkeys are Jack and Don Quixote. They're very smart, very cautious. Much of what people consider stubbornness in donkeys is actually cautiousness.

I enjoy shooting. Around where I live, it's something you do for entertainment once in a while, you go out and shoot targets.

That was a mistake, I guess, going out to California. They have these things called guidance counselors in high school. They drink a lot of herbal tea.

I grew up with donkeys, as well as horses, but I'm more interested in donkeys.

I'm of the people in the bar and the people in my stories. They are my tribe.

I think by writing about a place with great specificity, you manage to make it universal.