If dysfunction means that a family doesn't work, then every family ambles into some arena in which that happens, where relationships get strained or even break down entirely. We fail each other or disappoint each other. That goes for parents, siblings, kids, marriage partners - the whole enchilada.

But I'm not ready to stop listening to the screwed-up inner voice that's been ordering me around for a lifetime. My head thinks it can kill me... and go on living without me.

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

Having a great dad probably permitted me to pal around with guys in a way that some women don't.

I do have a really good memory. I mean, like, I can remember all the phone numbers of everybody on the street I grew up on.

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

I was 40 years old before I became an overnight success, and I'd been publishing for 20 years.