“I honestly have no idea what it is that inspires me, but there have definitely been days and even years when it seemed nowhere to be found, because I was crowding it out. I am sorry for the things I’ve written and occasionally published in such a state. Whatever kind of artist you may consider yourself, I recommend welcoming this thing that inspires with a decent place to be. Put water, vitamins, leafy greens into your body. Apples. Oats. Get plenty of sleep. Some exercise. Keep the company of wise and more or less sober people. Don’t smoke. Don’t watch TV. Do trust yourself. Especially when you’re honest with yourself, forgive yourself. Listen to your heart. Consider what it means to be an elder, then find one or two, and listen to them.”
—Bonnie Nadzam, author of Lamb (Other Press, 2011)