I have met women who don't have close women friends, and I've always been like, "How could that possibly be?"

Fifteen. Sixteen was probably something, but fifteen - fifteen was a place between here and nowhere.

I think it's important to remember that writing is a gift and our stories are gifts to ourselves and to the world and sometimes giving isn't always the easiest thing to do but it comes back.

To watch your home change in front of you is surprising. But at the same time, going someplace like Mississippi, makes me appreciate even this.

Time comes to us softly, slowly. It sits beside us for a while. Then, long before we are ready, it moves on.

I've learned a lot as a writer about poetry.

There is so much work left to be done in the world and for me, I am hoping to make the change I can and do the work I need to do through this gift I've been given.