I find that time constraints actually make me more productive, and "real world" experiences provide a lot of inspiration to write.

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 am a tragically bad artist.

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?

We cannot change what we are not aware of, and once we are aware, we cannot help but change.

No more good must be attempted than the nation can bear

If you're the one whom i looking for from many years, then the beautiful end has come !!

I fear God and respect God and love God.

Sometimes it is best to burn paintings that just don't burn.

Humility accepts the very nature of a human being is complete, unadulterated, ecstatic joy.

To err is human, to forgive is against company policy.

It's so crucial to really get a good handle on what's getting in the way of the kid completing a homework assignment. It can be so many things.

You are a son to me, that to my father I couldn't be. I love you.

When I was a child we were sufficiently well off for me to be a picky eater and I still cannot eat vegetables cooked in the traditional British manner.