But it's clear to me that us slow-poke writers are a dying breed. It's amazing how thoroughly my young writing students have internalized the new machine rhythm, the rush many of my young writers are in to publish. The majority don't want to sit on a book for four, five years. The majority don't want to listen to the silence inside and outside for their artistic imprimatur. The majority want to publish fast, publish now.

Katrina was one of those things that rips the clothes off of the guy who keeps saying he's a saint, and underneath you see that he's a monster.

The only difference between a published and unpublished writer is a tolerance for imperfection.

I love the kookiness of our speech. Speech is like wonderful magic and poetry in itself. I've always had to crib a lot from what I've heard.

The people I know who would support [Donald] Trump are keeping their mouths shut.

I always individuate myself from other writers who say they would die if they couldn't write. For me, I'd die if I couldn't read.

I'm having so much trouble with writing. Maybe if I help other people, it'll be easier for me.