I grew up aware of all the people I depended on and who depended on me.

Terms like that, 'Humane Society,' are devised with people like me in mind, who don't care to dwell on what happens to the innocent.

It kills you to see them grow up. But I guess it would kill you quicker if they didn't.

At home, growing up, we weren't really poor. We had everything we needed, we just didn't have what we wanted.

Close the door. Write with _no one_ looking over your shoulder. Don't try to figure out what other people want to hear from you; figure out what you have to say. It's the one and only thing you have to offer.

For me, writing time has always been precious, something I wait for and am eager for and make the best use of. That's probably why I get up so early and have writing time in the quiet dawn hours, when no one needs me.