"By and large, the critics and readers gave me an affirmed sense of my identity as a writer. You might know this within yourself, but to have it affirmed by others is of utmost importance. Writing is, after all, a form of communication."

"The understanding of art depends finally upon one's willingness to extend one's humanity and one's knowledge of human life."

"Some people are your relatives but others are your ancestors, and you choose the ones you want to have as ancestors. You create yourself out of those values."

"I add this, that rational ability without education has oftener raised man to glory and virtue, than education without natural ability."

"The real fight is about what should be in the marketplace and what should not. Should education be a marketable commodity? Should healthcare?"

"My mother was an actress and my voice teacher, an incredible voice teacher. My biological father is an actor, and my stepfather, who raised me along with my mother, is a psychotherapist. I was always supported in creative ventures."

"The main thing I am interested in is my experience as a teacher."