But with nonfiction, the task is very straightforward: Do the research, tell the story

Without dignity, identity is erased.

I just thought I was empty and now I'm being filled...and I just wanted to keep being filled.

He had no money and no home; he lived entirely on the road of the racing circuit, sleeping in empty stalls, carrying with him only a saddle, his rosary, and his books...The books were the closest thing he had to furniture, and he lived in them the way other men live in easy chairs.

My agent and I put out my proposal one Thursday afternoon in August, 1998. Publishers started bidding immediately, and that process progressed for a few days.

But with nonfiction, the task is very straightforward: Do the research, tell the story

I'm attracted to subjects who overcome tremendous suffering and learn to cope emotionally with it