I know how hard it is to be a woman, especially a black woman.

One of my friends once saw another guy's (criminal) record and said, 'Look, this guy is a born troublemaker, just a loser.' I had to tell him, 'No, that's my record - and it doesn't include my juvenile history.'

Mr. Arthur Ashe, he was good. I read some of his books. He knew about everything, but he was real quiet and didn't talk much. I never met him.

If he's not dead, it doesn't count.

What I've done in the past is history and what I'm gonna do in the future is a mystery

Most writers, in my opinion, are dysfunctional derelicts.

I tried to stay away from King. You can't do it. It's like staying away from taxes. Sooner or later, he'll get you.