in freeing myself from the romantic dream of finding another man to come along and rescue me, I learned that no one can rescue me except myself.

Despite all the cynical things writers have said about writing for money, the truth is we write for love. That is why it is so easy to exploit us.

You must have a certain amount of maturity to be a poet. Seldom do sixteen-year-olds know themselves well enough.

I think I've become more cynical about sex. Meaning, I don't think sex in and of itself leads to an epiphany.

All my forebears worked for a living. My grandfather painted portraits. My mother too. My aunt painted seascapes.

I am old enough to know that laughter, not anger, is the true revelation.

Eating is never so simple as hunger.