I find myself using Spanish words much more now that I'm older, and I guess I have the authority to do it in public spaces in ways that I felt I couldn't when I was teaching here fifteen years ago.

As an artist, I have to be the ambassador of everything.

For example, there's no word emocionó in English, so I have to say, "You, you really emotioned me," It's more precise, even though it sounds odd. "My father emotioned me." Or "That performance really emotioned to me."

I think diseases have no eyes. They pick with a dizzy finger anyone, just anyone.

San Antonio drives me crazy, but Chicago drives me crazy in a different way.

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 can't do a linear novel. I'm just going to write what I need to write.