Why would I want to read something about somebody that's just a really nice, decent person who overcomes terrible trials? That's not how life is to me.
Tama JanowitzWhether I'm critically well received, whether or not I sell books - of course it becomes progressively harder to get them published - nevertheless, it's what I do, every day.
Tama JanowitzFame is really great in a lot of ways, you know? People are a lot nicer to you. Like, the more famous you are, the more free presents you get. And invitations to really amazing things.
Tama JanowitzThe novel is never really in the first draft. The novel really happens in the revisions.
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 Janowitz