I just feel that the East and the West are two different worlds. I sometimes get saddened when I see that very few writers of color are published or reviewed in East Coast presses and magazines.

'Hispanic' is English for a person of Latino origin who wants to be accepted by the white status quo. 'Latino' is the word we have always used for ourselves.

Like all guests, after a fortnight, grief is best beyond the door.

The stories are what no one wants to talk about. So you make up a story because no one is going to tell you the truth.

I think people should read fairy tales, because were hungry for a mythology that will speak to our fears.

[Courage] always bigger than what you think you can handle, but you're never going to be given something you can't handle. So you say, "Okay, when you tell me what it is that I'm supposed to do, please give me the courage to do it."

You can't erase what you know. You can't forget who you are.