As a writer, I don't think it's my responsibility to make a point. I just write and hope there's someone who'll like it.
Tama JanowitzI'm writing what I want to write. But it's almost an act of rebellion on my part. Because as a person, I've always wanted to be very likeable, and I think that's a horrible thing, particularly for women. You're always like, "Oh, I hope I didn't hurt anyone's feelings. I hope they like me!" And that's just so stupid.
Tama JanowitzLong after the bomb falls and you and your good deeds are gone, cockroaches will still be here, prowling the streets like armored cars.
Tama JanowitzI think it's true about people now being closer to their parents, since the '60s, really. The parents are no longer from a different planet, the 1950s ideas of American family. We could be friends with our parents. After the '60s, it wasn't like a person smoking pot was what the parents would be appalled at.
Tama JanowitzI think in a lot of ways, writing, when you're really in there, is like being an actress because you're in somebody else's head.
Tama JanowitzIf you want to be a writer, all you need is a piece of paper and a pencil, and I had a manual typewriter. It doesn't cost money to write. It costs money to make art. So I would just write. I would hand out stories in the classes in high school. And the teacher would say, "Whatever you do, don't become a writer."
Tama Janowitz