Writing is a consequence of having been 'haunted' by material. Why this is, no one knows.
Joyce Carol OatesI don't think that any 'ism' is higher than literature or art. So I'm a formalist. I greatly honor and respect the form of a work.
Joyce Carol OatesI did not consider that I would lead a literary life. I'd thought initially, as a young girl, that I would be a teacher, since I so admired many of my teachers. And though I loved writing, I did not ever think of myself as a writer.
Joyce Carol OatesIt's one of those secrets that's embarrassing to acknowledge, but we do love our students.
Joyce Carol Oates