[Dennis Mathis] was very sensitive about keeping the unique way that I spoke English - it had a lot of Mexicanisms or Mexican syntax. So you keep it in because it's adding something unique.

Writing poetry helps me to write my fiction; each thing helps the other.

You want to be able to say anything when you do your first draft, because some of that goofy stuff that you think has nothing to do with it is probably where the mother lode is.

There's all kinds of ways to wean yourself off of sugar - because it is like an addiction.

When I was very young I was reading a lot of Latin American fiction, which later would be called "boom fiction."

Even if we don't know if God exists, we can be certain love exists, because its power transcends death.

I think my family and closest friends are learning about my need to withdraw, and I am learning how to restore and store my energy to both serve the community to the best of my ability and to serve my writer's heart.