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

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 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?

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.

I think Twitter is kind of boring, to be honest. To me, it's not even real life.

When you hide another story in a story, that’s the story I am telling the children.

The story is a testament to the consolations that get me through and give meaning to every area of my life.

Success is knowing what you're doing, loving what you're doing, and believing what you're doing

Society highly values its normal man. It educates children to lose themselves and to become absurd, and thus to be normal.

So,” I said at last, staring at my hands. “How’s, uh, your car?” “I left it out on the street. Figured it’ll be fine there while I’m gone.

The scene is dull. Tell him to put more life into his dying.

Make sure you don't become the very thing you find yourself fighting against.

Waking up to you is like... presents on Christmas morning." His mouth curved. "For your convenience, I'm already unwrapped. Batteries not required.

We don't get paid for activity, just for being right. As to how long we'll wait, we'll wait indefinitely.