When you write a novel, you make other people see your imaginary friends.

I do have a sister - I have two sisters.

Remember that the writing itself is good for you. If your story is so close to home that you are afraid to write it, it probably means you need to write it.

This is what I have come to know: Our past is never passed and there is no such thing as moving on. But there is this telling and there is such a thing as passing through.

I am always urging my students to honor their writing practice, to set up a schedule.

Dwelling on pain, spending too much time immersed in it, tasting its flavors, fingering its textures--this makes it only more potent.

If there was ever a time to boil up some grits it is now.