Don't be pretentious is my first advice to young writers. This is the big problem - just because you're getting an MFA doesn't mean you have to write for the Academy. Be true to your personality. Don't temper your personality down with words. Don't build defensive fortresses around yourself with words - words are your friends.

We are now part of this giant machine where every second we have to take out a device and contribute our thoughts and opinions.

I have my own dying empire to contend with, and I do not wish for any other.

My mother cranes her neck. Her ability to be fascinated by things is her best gift to me.

A writer or any suffering artist-to-be is just an instrument too finely set to the human condition [...]

You want to read a book? That requires introspection. It requires time away from people and time away from the constant need to communicate and to connect.

I was really not a good student, and I felt that shame every day. That's one of the reasons I started smoking pot and drinking daily.