I am a tragically bad artist.

I knew the basic outline of the novel [The Dissemblers] and would write whatever scene of the book I felt particularly excited about at the time.

I lived in New Mexico until I was seventeen, and honestly I've been homesick ever since I left.

I do think that it is one of the eternal questions about art, though - is all art intrinsically selfish?

Does art play a role in the greater good of society, or does it just promote the satisfaction of the artist? I go back and forth on that question.

The motivation to paint seems more pure, or at least more personal, when the artist is doing it for herself.

I've spent many a day worrying that I will never be able to write again!

I did take one drawing class in school, but for this book I spent a lot of time talking to painters and asking them silly questions.

I read letters and journal entries by [Georgia] O'Keeffe (which were infinitely more useful than any critical analysis of her work).

The book [The Dissemblers] officially came out two weeks after my thirtieth birthday...am I still young?

One thing that was inspiring to me in my research about [Georgia] O'Keeffe was to learn that in addition to her success she had very hard times, and times when she was frustrated and uninspired.

Only a self-learnt man can teach others

Everything wrong I've ever done has always seemed like the right thing to do at the time.

We should know who they are, " I said, "before we kill them. That's just being polite.

I think I think, therefore I think I am.

Have a definite, clear, practical ideal - a goal, an objective.

Am I crazy or falling in love? Is it really just another crush?

Loving everybody is polygamy. I care for no friend who loves his enemy equally well.

Orchestras have become used to the emphasis on the separation of layers, of the ultimate precision and clarity.

The body does whatever it wants. I am not my body; I am my mind.

Coaching isn't a great mystery. It's Just hard work, determination, and inspiration at the right moment.