“People think it's suspect and self-indulgent to make art, and I don't think that's true. Some people think you should be busy making something that you can sell in the marketplace, and if nobody wants to buy it, it must be crap. And that's not true.” PeopleIfsThinkingWantShouldArtSelfSellsBusySuspectsCrapMarketplaceSelf Indulgent Author:Dana Spiotta
“The idea that you can live off the grid and just do your own thing is a very American idea - that you should be able to do your own thing, if you want to, if you're willing to pay the price for it. I think the price has gotten higher and higher.” IfsThinkingWantShouldIdeasAblePayWillingHigherPay The PriceGrids Author:Dana Spiotta
“Tell me it's forbidden, unthinkable, and that's where I want to go. Because the chances are it's complicated, and the complications are meaningful.” WantChanceComplicatedMeaningfulForbiddenChances AreUnthinkableComplication Author:Dana Spiotta
“I do want to write about social/cultural/historical context. I'm interested in relationships, in character, but within a specific social context. Which is kind of a political thing, I admit that. But it's what I'm interested in, and it's how I believe human behavior is legible.” WantWritingBelieveHumansKindCharacterPoliticalI BelieveSocialBehaviorHistoricalHuman BehaviorHistorical Context Author:Dana Spiotta
“I want what I write to be deeply engaging and strange and true.” WantWritingStrangeEngaging Author:Dana Spiotta
“When I write characters, I need to hear their voice. As soon as I get them speaking, and I feel how they use language, I understand who they are and what they want.” WantNeedsFeelsWritingCharacterUseLanguageVoice Author:Dana Spiotta
“Usually there is a paradox in what a character wants. A conflict is built deeply within them. And then you put them in motion, throw everything at them until they reveal themselves further.” WantCharacterConflictBuiltParadox Author:Dana Spiotta
“Even if we try to see people in our lives accurately, it is distorted by our own wants and prejudices and experiences.” PeopleIfsWantTryingOur LivesPrejudicePeople In Our Lives Author:Dana Spiotta
