David Means

As a story writer, you have work with sharp but relatively small tools, the picks of metaphor, the shovel blade of images, the trowel of point of view, and then you delicately lift and brush in the revision with love and care knowing that one slip, and you might damage an extremely delicate thing. ”

A short story collection can be as exciting as a novel. It is a real complete experience, like when you listen to a real good recording, a Beatles record, and there are so many good songs. ”

Those who see beauty almost too intensely can easily look mad to those who are functioning within the confines of so-called normal life. ”

I was an at-home father, taking care of them for seven years when they were babies. I was one of those new-age, at-home dads. ”

Wars never simply end, not for those in combat and not for the culture, and one way or another, they shape-shift from generation to generation. ”

Americans are pragmatic; we want quick, clean, simple solutions to vast problems. The paradox is that we're a deeply confessional culture, but we're not often contemplative. ”

I don't think you could write fiction or create art unless you are sort of a positive person. ”

The more you know about Bob Dylan, the less you know. A truly enigmatic artist, Mr. Dylan's work and life offer vaporous handholds, explanations, and instructions. Attempt to grasp them, and they will only dissipate and re-form into another contexture or idea. ”

I'm not sure if a writer should talk about themes. Themes arrive out of the deeper structure and concerns, but to me, the main thing is getting it down right, writing about specific characters in specific predicaments, and finding a way to be true to the story itself, not only in the first burst of draft but in the revision, too. ”

Everyone in my family still lives in Kalamazoo. ”