There is something about Midwest in general, that has kind of an underdog quality.

The people are maybe still as aware of the differences but they are more accepting of it that what we saw in the 70s and 80s, but the undercurrent is still there. There are maybe no racial slurs anymore, no firecrackers in mailboxes, the distinction is much more subtle.

I'd like to think of my self as not melancholic at all, I think I'm a pretty cheerful person, really.

If a news camera shows up, people will line up, they want to be seen. But at the same time they want both to be chosen and not singled out. I think that is an endless struggle within most.

I would never tell myself, you have to write 20 pages today or something. But I do try to show up. Read what I wrote, fix things.

Being asked, "Where are you REALLY from?" It makes one feel OTHERED.

There is something about Midwest in general, that has kind of an underdog quality.