In White Boy Shuffle, I combined my seventh-grade teacher, Mr. Takemoto, who really saved me - I don't think I've ever told anyone this - and my first basketball coach, Mr. Shimizu, into one character. Something about the way they talked about things, and their attitudes, had a huge impact on me. Not that I necessarily agreed with them. It was important to me to just put them there to stay grounded.
Paul BeattyDon't write about trying to change the world, just write about a changed world or a world that's not changing. Let that do the work.
Paul BeattyLike when you have the right title for something you're writing and you get lost - you can always go back to the title and go, "Yeah, that's what this is about."
Paul BeattyThere are many similarities between Germans and blacks. The nouns themselves are loaded with so much historical baggage it's impossible for anyone to be indifferent to the simple mention of either group. We're two insightful people looking for reasons to love ourselves; and let's not forget we both love pork and wear sandals with socks.
Paul Beatty