If I didn't know the ending of a story, I wouldn't begin. I always write my last lines, my last paragraph first, and then I go back and work towards it. I know where I'm going. I know what my goal is. And how I get there is God's grace.

Death always leaves one singer to mourn.

I always write a story in one sitting.

we know that the Furies do not come uninvited.

The greatest art comes out of warmth and conviction and deep feeling, but then, very few people, even geniuses, have all that.

Be respectful of words. They mean something.

I think joy is just as instructive as pain, and I like it better. I never meant to suffer any more than I could help; my nature was meant for happiness, a daylight art and living.