I started writing about New Mexico in an autobiography class I was taking for school, and realized that it was very inspiring place for me.

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?

If writers wrote as carelessly as some people talk, then adhasdh asdglaseuyt[bn[ pasdlgkhasdfasdf.

When the world shifts its focus on heart over mind, we will finally experience a beautiful global village for our children.

All community is in some way imagined

I told myself no matter what she did i would not let the b**** take me down

The principles of the United States Constitution are, because of Senator Byrd, still the heartbeat of the US Senate.

I think most of us sense that it is a responsibility of the humanities to try to help better the conduct of human beings in their lives and manifold professional activities.

I realize I had to learn ... to stop chasing the perishable prizes of this earth ... and give my best effort unto God and trust Him with the results.

Man has always desired power. Ownership of property gives this power. Man hankers also after posthumous fame based on power.

I'm not in for killing another man, defending my holy land, as if there's a god who would understand.

I always wear the same thing onstage.