But really, it was reading that led me to writing. And in particular, reading the American classics like Twain who taught me at an early age that ordinary lives of ordinary people can be made into high art. Russell banks
Although I still occasionally paint and draw, my life has now been shaped by my writing. Russell banks
A couple of years I taught in graduate programs at NYU and Columbia, in the early eighties. Russell banks
And out of a desire essentially to imitate what I was reading, I began to write, like a clever monkey. Russell banks
I much prefer working with kids whose life could be completely upended by a reading of a book over a weekend. You give them a book to read - they go home and come back a changed person. And that is so much more interesting and exciting. Russell banks
Storytelling is an ancient and honorable act. An essential role to play in the community or tribe. It's one that I embrace wholeheartedly and have been fortunate enough to be rewarded for. Russell banks
John Brown first swam into my vision in the 1960s when I was a political activist in the civil rights movement and the anti-war movement at Chapel Hill, where I went to university. Russell banks
I don't want it to be all that self-conscious or artificial, but it really grows out of my having invented myself as a listener so that I could hear her voice. Russell banks
First of all it's usually women who run these higher primate sanctuaries, rarely men. They are white. They come from privileged backgrounds. They are educated. Russell banks
Through writing, through that process, they realize that they become more intelligent, and more honest and more imaginative than they can be in any other part of their life. Russell banks
Honesty and integrity are absolutely essential for success in life - all areas of life. The really good news is that anyone can develop both honesty and integrity. zig ziglar
Little men with little minds and little imaginations go through life in little ruts, smugly resisting all changes which would jar their little worlds. zig ziglar