I think what distresses me most in my life is that I have so many ideas I consider exciting ideas that I will never live to execute because it takes me so long to execute.

Not what the mind sees, but what the mind imagines the eye must see.

Much of my writing is energized by unresolved memories - something like ghosts in the psychological sense.

Language is the instrument in all cases and can language be trusted?If it were not for language, could we lie?

I am inclined to think that as I grow older I will come to be infatuated with the art of revision, and there may come a time when I will dread giving up a novel at all.

I think it's very important for writers and artists generally to be witnesses to the world, and to be transparent. To let other people speak... to travel... to experience the world. And memorialize it.

Your punishment if you're a woman. Not loved enough.