When you're a writer, you have to write these stories, even if you don't get paid

Writing is the thing that props me up.

I'm a social writer in the sense that I want to record, but not in the sense of trying to change people's minds.

When you're a writer, you have to write these stories, even if you don't get paid

You have to watch out with my plays. They're like yeast. You think they're one thing, then all of a sudden subtext gets to working.

If I ever teach writing again, I’d say the first lesson is to listen.

I come out of a strong oral tradition in the South.