That is one more reason why I write in English only right now. I prefer writing in the language I hear around me for the people by whom I am surrounded.

I find that biographical material holds me back, hampers my creative process, cramps my imagination.

I must say that, on the whole, I prefer fiction to poetry.

How can you teach someone to be creative? You have to create yourself.

In fact, the very phrase "teaching creative writing" sounds to me oxymoronic. How can you teach someone to be creative?

Imagination is so much more fertile than life.

It is true that I didn't write any poetry between 1995 and 2011. The reason for this was probably because I had stayed away from fiction for so long and couldn't tear myself away from it.

Except for the usual house chores, doing income tax, etc., I am free to write whenever I want.

I think I view myself primarily as a fiction writer. Poetry is more of a "hobby," a time of rest from the hard work of writing fiction.

Peace, though beloved of our Lord, is a cardinal virtue only if your neighbors share your conscience.

Satan wants you to die, but Jesus wants you to live.

I am very poor - for a know nothing, understand nothing. It is not a calamitous condition until it is realized.

Bethyl Ann has vomited words like she ate the dictionary.

In fairness, you know, I'm a big believer in if your kid makes noise in the restaurant you should remove the child immediately.

Suppose atomic bombs had reduced the population of the world to one brother and sister; should they let the human race die out?

A good football coach needs a patient wife, a loyal dog and a great quarterback - but not necessarily in that order.

None deserve praise for being good who have not the spirit to be bad: goodness, for the most part, is nothing but indolence or weakness of will.

The best part of the fiction in many novels is the notice that the characters are purely imaginary.

A true photographer is as rare as a true poet or a true painter.