So much emotion goes into writing fiction.

I think of my novels as entertainments.

In real life there are indeed black people who have been in the middle class for generations, but in entertainment it's as if they don't exist.

If you're fascinated by America, you'll be fascinated by family.

Teaching civility is an obligation of the family.

Even in 2012, if there's a black character in the movies or on television that's a professional, if we even hear about their backgrounds they're always 'up from the streets.'

Through the discussions, you may find out that a particular riding association is needing some additional dollars. There are some instances where a riding association or particular individuals will make a decision to send dollars to other ridings or to other candidates.

Those 224 companies operate more than 4,700 facilities in Boston, Miami and Seattle alone,

When you shoot someone who is fleeing, it's not self-defense. It's an execution.

To be black and an intellectual in America is to live in a box. On the box is a label, not of my own choosing.