I have learned as much about writing about my people by listening to blues and jazz and spirituals as I have by reading novels.

I wanted to be a writer. I wanted to say something about home.

I try to write something that would interest anybody and keep them turning the page. You must have a plot and good storyline.

Words mean nothing. Action is the only thing. Doing. That's the only thing.

Don't tell me to believe. Don't tell me to believe in the same God or laws that men believe in who commit these murders. Don't tell me to believe that God can bless this country and that men are judged by their peers. Who among his peers judged him? Was I there? Was the minister there? Was Harry Williams there? Was Farrell Jarreau? Was my aunt? Was Vivian? No, his peers did not judge him, and I will not believe.

When I'm sitting in the church alone, I can hear singing of the old people. I can hear their singing and I can hear their praying, and sometimes I hum one of their songs.

There will always be men struggling to change, and there will always be those who are controlled by the past.