In essay writing, I'm trying to push the form of expository writing. I'm trying to remember, trying to reckon, trying to find connections with the world, the nation and me, but I'm always trying to push the form, too, without being too obvious that I'm trying to push the form.

I'm also, than anything else, a teacher and a student. And without the four hours, I'm pretty monsterish. For real.

I wish every American explored the importance of novel writing, identity, honesty, character and place in fresh-ass ways.

First of all, the novel should be a critique of the novels that have come before it in a language that broadens the audience of American literature. Second, it's really got to be invested in a number of what-if questions.

I'm not good enough as a person and definitely not good enough as a writer.

Not so deep down, we all know that safety is an illusion, that only character melds us together. That’s why most of us do everything we can (healthy and unhealthy) to ward off that real feeling of standing alone so close to the edge of the world.

I'm an obsessive writer who needs and loves revision. Writing helps me learn and helps me teach.