Poetry is a dumb Buddha who thinks a donkey is as important as a diamond.

All of us can create if we allow ourselves to.

As writers we need to crack open language.

The muscles of writing are not so visible, but they are just as powerful: determination, attention, curiosity, a passionate heart.

In writing with detail, you are turning to face the world. It is a deeply political act, because you are not staying in the heat of your own emotions. You are offering up some good solid bread for the hungry.

Have compassion for yourself when you write. There is no failure - just a big field to wander in.

Stress is basically a disconnection from the earth, a forgetting of the breath.