The truth is when I went to graduate school I would've said I was among the least talented of the students, I was certainly the least smart, or less educated. But I worked very hard.

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.

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

I think we fall in love and become adults and become citizens in a way by writing stories about ourselves.

I tell people not to write too soon about their lives. Writing about yourself too young is loaded with psychological complexities.

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

He never gave up on me, I only stopped being matriculated.