"I deeply love my character in this collection, and terrible things happen to her, but I have the power to help her get out of her situation. I can write her way, and my way, out of despair."
"I’m constantly thinking through how we construct the self/other dichotomy. I do believe, as humans taking up space on this planet, that yes, we have a responsibility to the planet and to one another."
"Don’t try to be profound or teach a lesson, and don’t write for anyone’s approval or admiration; simply write what is specific and true to your observation, to the unique, often secret convolutions of your own heart and mind."
"The earrings, for example: I'll never know if she really stole them but at some point I chose to believe she did. Is that unfair? I disapproved but was also really moved by the gift, and I don't think I ever told her."
"As Rita Dove once said, so succinctly, poetry is the most “immediate and intimate” genre. Our brains/souls/hearts/memories/days are desperate for it."
