I'm not a racist, but I do have to work at not being a racist, because of where I grew up.

The stupidest thing that a writer can do is write a memoir I think, unless it's right before you die -- maybe.

New Orleans is a unique environment.

I ain't ever satisfied.

Poetry is the hardest thing that there is. It fascinates me, so I want to write more of it.

At home, I'm lucky if I can write three or four hours before the phone starts ringing and the kids want to go to soccer.

I don't care what's happening in the mainstream of country music. I haven't in a long time.