I begin a book with imagery, more than I do with an idea or a character. Some kind of poetic image.
A novel is not a rant.
I am not fond of lengthy descriptions of phony artworks.
For me, art is not 'brooding.' It comes from someplace that is more fun and that has a kind of electricity to it.
I'm not sure if you can strive your way into a career as a novelist. You have to write books; there are no short cuts.
I have crashed on a motorcycle that was going at 140mph, so I know what it feels like.
I know what it's like to go very fast on motorcycles. Those moments, they stay with you.
Growing up, I was not told that there were women's areas of preoccupation or male ones.
A historical event represents the best and the worst of that moment.
I had a Stuart Davis poster growing up.
Italy in the Seventies seems like a fascinating place.
Art is about play and about transcendent meanings, not reducible to politics.
I don't believe in the model of pure inspiration. All of my creative work stems from a dialogue with others.
I know a little bit about motorcycles and motorcycle riding.
Danny Lyon is one of my favorite photographers.
Painting was a problem - you produce a thing, and then you sell it and get money, and that was quickly considered totally uncool.
I try to show ugliness, but with compassion for the people who commit ugly acts.
I steer clear of books with ugly covers. And ones that are touted as 'sweeping,' 'tender' or 'universal.'
I have enormous respect for people who are gifted mechanics.
I like Baudelaire's sentences quite a lot. I read and re-read him very often.
The 1970s seemed particularly playful. People were trying to make work that couldn't be sold.
Subject matter is sort of overemphasized in the way books get discussed, I think.
I spent a huge amount of time by myself. I daydreamed and learned how to be alone and not be lonely.
When the art world is done wrong, a reader's faith is lost and possibly not recuperable.
I love the novels of Didion and Bret Ellis and consider them L.A. Writers because they write about L.A.
Even if it happened in real life - and oftentimes, especially if it happened in real life - it might not work in fiction.
I suppose I am interested in women plus anonymity plus disappearance.
