I have a lot of respect for readers because I'm a reader. That's how I got into writing.

It's important, therefore, to know who the real enemy is, and to know the function, the very serious function of racism, which is distraction. It keeps you from doing your work. It keeps you explaining over and over again, your reason for being. Somebody says you have no language and so you spend 20 years proving that you do. Somebody says your head isn't shaped properly so you have scientists working on the fact that it is. Someone says you have no art so you dredge that up. Somebody says you have no kingdoms and so you dredge that up. None of that is necessary. There will always be one more thing.

I think some aspects of writing can be taught. Obviously, you can't teach vision or talent. But you can help with comfort.

And I am all the things I have ever loved: scuppernong wine, cool baptisms in silent water, dream books and number playing.

More than fear of loving bears or birds bigger than cows, I fear pathless nights. How, I wonder, can I find you in the dark?

A lot of black people believe that Jews in this country have become white. They behave like white people rather than Jewish people.

Let your face speak what's in your heart.