That is how I came to think that heavy and hard was the beginning of living, real living; and though I might not end up with a mark on my cheek, I had no doubt that I would end up with a mark somewhere.

People only say I’m angry because I’m black and I’m a woman.

I come from the small island of Antigua and I always wanted to write; I just didn't know that it was possible.

I like cooking, but I think someone else ought to do the dishes.

If I describe a person's physical appearance in my writing, which I often do, especially in fiction, I never say someone is "black" or "white." I may describe the color of their skin - black eyes, beige skin, blue eyes, dark skin, etc. But I'm not talking about race.

One of the things reading does, it makes your loneliness manageable if you are an essentially lonely person.

It was hollow, my triumph, I could feel that, but I held on to it just the same.