My idea was always to start with a small press and then move up to a national press. I had those goals for my career from the time I was a very young woman. I wanted to win a local award, then I wanted a state or national award. Small press, big press. Some women fantasize about their weddings, their husbands, and children. I fantasized about what I wanted to accomplish with my books.

I grew up with this kind of grocery store that caters to the poor. They serve you the worst food.

I tell people to write the stories that you're afraid to talk about, the stories you wish you'd forget, because those have the most power. Those are the ones that have the most strength when you give them as a testimony.

There was a time when I used to go to Mexico every year. But then Mexico changed a lot - between 1995 and 2005, Mexico changed a lot.

I believe love is always eternal. Even if eternity is only five minutes.

I think of reading as like a medicine cabinet.

I'm from Chicago, so the Chicago working-class poets still mean a great deal to me.