For the most part, it's a world of artists that are very in their own heads.

My gut was always that if I taught students poetry, I would give too much of myself to them and have nothing left.

I definitely have favorite books by favorite poets, but poets' books also vary. I could like some books, but not like another book.

I've always felt alone and isolated, and living on the West Coast, there's no poetry community out here, and if there is, it's really spread out - because it's LA, it's spread out.

Sometimes I feel like I'm on top of the world, and other mornings I feel like crap.

I just didn't want any order in anything. I have to leave an ordered life for them - the kids - and my job. I have to be at my desk at a certain time, and I have to answer e-mails within a certain time period.

Most of my writing friends are working in academia. Most of my business school friends are always talking about bringing companies public, and money, and making money, and lots and lots of money. It's just a different environment.