I have difficulties with contemporary language. Big difficulties. I counted, you know, something like 160 words have disappeared from the English language because of the use of the word "like." "I'm like, he's like" - not "thought," not "as if ."

To be given dominion over another is a hard thing; to wrest dominion over another is a wrong thing; to give dominion of yourself to another is a wicked thing.

So this is what insanity is. Not goofy behavior, but watching a sudden change in the world you used to know.

Love just seems to make life not just livable, but a gallant, gallant event.

I know what every colored woman in this country is doing... Dying. Just like me. But the difference is they dying like a stump. Me, I’m going down like one of those redwoods. I sure did live in this world.

The language must be careful and must appear effortless. It must not sweat. It must suggest and be provocative at the same time.

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