I've never been to Paris. I don't like to fly!

Putting words on paper regularly is part of the necessary discipline of writing. A journal is a great way to do that.

Discomfort is always a necessary part of enlightenment.

Feminism is to sexism what black nationalism is to racism; the most rational response to the problem.

I think the black community is no different from any other community. We need to take responsibility for how we live together. We need to be personally responsible for keeping our streets clean, our schools safe, and our houses peaceful.

I think it's hard to make a living as a writer, but I think it's hard to work at McDonald's too.... I think the commitment is to get up everyday and say, "I'm a writer, therefore what I'm supposed to do today is write." And to do that, and to do that and to do that.

Many times, what people call 'writer's block' is the confusion that happens when a writer has a great idea, but their writing skill is not up to the task of putting that idea down on paper. I think that learning the craft of writing is critical.