I look upon [writing about religion] as a nice way to get by in this precarious world, though I've never been able to do it myself.

I'm always doubting my work, even when people are kind enough to say good things. I still have a hard time believing I've written some books, let alone that they've actually done pretty well.

I don't really think the outburst is recent; there have always been writers in Appalachia.

The Oxys filled holes in me I hadn't realized were empty. It was, at least for those first few months, a wonderful way to be disabled. I felt blessed.

[Degree in English] gave me a little more self-confidence, to know that I'd managed to complete something like that.

For example, if it's a sad scene, I need to feel that way, at least to a slight degree and for a short while, to get it right. Which is why I sometimes listen to music when I'm revising. Music creates moods for me quicker than any other medium.

Id always been a big reader, and I loved books, and I always thought writing would be a great way to get by in the world.