Characters begin as voices, then gain presence by being viewed in others' eyes. Characters define one another in dramatic contexts. It is often very exciting, when characters meet - out of their encounters, unanticipated stories can spring.

I see the world in ways that might be considered somewhat harsh and Darwinistic. At the same time mediated, as in Darwin, by a real idealism and an excitement about the possibilities of the intellect and imagination to deal with this somewhat brutal world.

Art is the highest expression of the human spirit.

We are linked by blood, and blood is memory without language.

Detroit, my 'great' subject, made me the person I am, consequently the writer I am - for better or worse.

Maybe, love is always forgiveness, to a degree.

Reading is the sole means by which we slip, involuntarily, often helplessly, into another's skin, another's voice, another's soul.