The regional voice is the universal voice.

The historical Woodrow Wilson suffered from numerous complaints which we might today label as psychosomatic. Yet, Wilson did have a stroke as a relatively young man of 39 and seemed always to be ill. He was 'high-strung' - intensely neurotic - yet a charismatic personality nonetheless.

The ideal art, the noblest of art: working with the complexities of life, refusing to simplify, to "overcome" doubt.

'A Fair Maiden' existed in notes and sketches for perhaps a year. When I traveled, I would take along with me my folder of notes - 'ideas for stories.' Eventually, I began to write it and wrote it fairly swiftly - in perhaps two months of fairly intense writing and rewriting. Most of my time writing is really re-writing.

A daydreamer is prepared for most things.

I read books. Avidly, ardently! As if my life depended upon it.

Life and people are complex. A writer as an artist doesn't have the personality of a politician. We don't see the world that simply.