Before you can write a novel you have to have a number of ideas that come together. One idea is not enough.
Joyce Carol OatesWriting is a consequence of having been 'haunted' by material. Why this is, no one knows.
Joyce Carol OatesHomo sapiens is the species that invents symbols in which to invest passion and authority, then forgets that symbols are inventions.
Joyce Carol OatesBoxing is about being hit rather more than it is about hitting, just as it is about feeling pain, if not devastating psychological paralysis, more than it is about winning.
Joyce Carol Oates