People say, 'Well, why don't they get another job, why don't they pick themselves up by their bootstraps?' Well, the people that say that probably have the kind of jobs where they don't work that hard, so maybe they could have another job. Carolyn Chute bootstraphardjob share on social
It doesn't matter that millions read as long as you share it with somebody. So I don't really think about readers or editors. You especially should never think of editors - especially never think about reviewers. Carolyn Chute editorlongmatter share on social
There's no writer's block; there's only distraction. Carolyn Chute blockdistractionwriter Change image and share on social
I never wanted to be a writer. I still don't. Carolyn Chute wantwriter Change image and share on social
Grave silence is far more powerful than the same old voices yapping away. Carolyn Chute gravepowerfulsilence Change image and share on social
My people are mostly underweight or overweight - however it is they turned out, like good bread. Bring back the hunched-over people... Bring back humanity. Carolyn Chute backbreadbring Change image and share on social
Whenever I write, I write what I find to be the way people are. I never use any symbolism at all, but if you write as true to life as you possibly can, people will see symbolism. They'll all see different symbolism, but they're apt to because you can see it in life. Carolyn Chute aptfindlife share on social
Sadly I don't work well under restrictions. I need to forget the world and its rules and laws in order to enter the dreamlike flow of the fictional world. So I may be in some bad trouble. Carolyn Chute baddreamlikeenter Change image and share on social
With upper- and middle-class lawns, there's more hidden, whereas with working-class or poor lawns, there's more out to see. It just sits right out there. Very honest. Like the people. Carolyn Chute classhidehonest Change image and share on social
What poor people go through, it's amazing they don't do more violent things! If they'd just give you a little dignity, it might help you stand it better. They suffer no heat, no electricity, while you're working, but then you've got to face all the insults, too. Carolyn Chute amazedignityelectricity share on social