Why write stories? To join the conversation.

It's important to set challenges that you're not sure you're equal to.

I'll tell you the secret. When you begin with a character, you want to begin by creating a villain.

I fell into shame like a suicide throws herself into a river. (253)

He never said "Don't tell your mama." He never had to say it. I did not know how to tell anyone what I felt, what scared me and shamed me... (109)

One of the strengths I derive from my class background is that I am accustomed to contempt.

I do not write about nice people. I am not nice people.