All that matters in life is forging deep ties of love and family and friends. Writing and reading come later.
Joyce Carol OatesCriticism is, for me, like essay writing, a wonderful way of relaxation; it doesn't require a heightened and mediated voice, like prose fiction, but rather a calm, rational, even conversational voice.
Joyce Carol OatesI turn down invitations to do things for money. I have almost no interest in making money. Actually, I've acquired a fair amount of money that I will never live to spend. So earning money, in a way, depresses me, because I feel it's just piling up.
Joyce Carol OatesLike a flame is real enough, isn't it, while it's burning?-even if there's a time it goes out?
Joyce Carol Oates