I always rewrite the very beginning of a novel. I rewrite the beginning as I write the ending, so I may spend part of morning writing the ending, the last 100 pages approximately, and then part of the morning revising the beginning. So the style of the novel has a consistency.

It is important for me to discover the ideal title, for without this title the story or novel isn't quite in focus.

The regional voice is the universal voice.

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.

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

My belief is that art should not be comforting; for comfort, we have mass entertainment and one another. Art should provoke, disturb, arouse our emotions, expand our sympathies in directions we may not anticipate and may not even wish.

No, the thing is, we all love storytelling, and as a writer you get to tell stories all the time.