You Can Never Enslave Somebody Who Knows

I Tell Younger Writers That Indeed It Is Devastating To Be Rejected. You Feel Like The Bottom Dropped Out Of Your World.

It's Always Intrigued Me That Amidst The Group Called Slaves There Were Individuals Who Were Extremely Able, Who Were Extremely Colorful, Who Were Powerful Personalities, Who By No Means Fit The Usual Images Of Slaves. They Were People Who, Through Their Personalities And Abilities, Were Very Respected In The Community Where They Lived By Both Black And White.

Brown People Wouldn't Speak To Someone Who Was Black.

In The Bush, Trust No One You Don't Know.

Many A Young Person Tells Me He Wants To Be A Writer. I Always Encourage Such People, But I Also Explain That There's A Big Difference Between Being A Writer And Writing. In Most Cases These Individuals Are Dreaming Of Wealth And Fame, Not The Long Hours Alone At The Typewriter. You've Got To Want To Write, I Say To Them, Not Want To Be A Writer. The Reality Is That Writing Is A Lonely, Private And Poor-paying Affair. For Every Writer Kissed By Fortune, There Are Thousands More Whose Longing Is Never Requited. Even Those Who Succeed Often Know Long Periods Of Neglect And Poverty. I Did.