I always say that a poet loves the world, and the prose writer needs to create an alternative world.

Mother’s particular devils had remained mysterious to me for decades. So had her past. Few born liars ever intentionally embark in truth’s direction, even those who believe that such a journey might axiomatically set them free.

I find a great deal of comfort and care in my faith and prayer. I'd sooner do without air than prayer.

Memoir is not an act of history but an act of memory, which is innately corrupt.

The failures of other genres to provide an emotional connection with some of their characters and narratives gives memoir a toehold.

I'm bred for farm work, and for such folk, the only A's you get come from effort. Strife and strain are all the world can offer, and they temper you into something unbreakable because Lord knows they'll try -- without let up -- to break you.

Nobody sounds good writing about your divorce, let's face it.