One thing that was inspiring to me in my research about [Georgia] O'Keeffe was to learn that in addition to her success she had very hard times, and times when she was frustrated and uninspired.

Because Ivy [Wilkes] is just starting out as an artist, I wanted to focus on [Georgia] O'Keeffe's experiences when she was just starting out. I suspect there is a difference between being an unknown artist and being a celebrated artist. When nobody knows your work, nobody except you really cares whether or not you paint.

When I finished the book [The Dissemblers], I sent it to one billion agents, and got one billion rejections.

I've spent many a day worrying that I will never be able to write again!

Yet [Georgia O'Keeffe ] always stayed true to her vision, and was at times uncompromising in following the path she saw for herself.

The book [The Dissemblers] officially came out two weeks after my thirtieth birthday...am I still young?

I lived in New Mexico until I was seventeen, and honestly I've been homesick ever since I left.