You know, one of my fears about living alone so long is that you get used to doing everything your own way.

I used to get a lot of letters from prisoners. It used to get on my nerves. Especially family members. Everybody's innocent.

Don't worry about how pretty (the story) sounds, how lilting it is, and the imagery, and the metaphor, all that. Most readers don't care. It's the people in your book that matter.

Few writers are willing to admit writing is autobiographical.

I just believe that young people need to be able to learn how to write in their own voice. Just like a musician, you pride yourself on having your own distinct sound.

Back then I confused passions and orgasms with love. It look me years to realize the two weren't synonymous.

Can't nothing make your life work if you ain't the architect.