Everyone who knew me as a child, they say they're not surprised that I became a writer because I wrote all the time. I don't remember writing, because I wouldn't have had the tools, but I think what they are saying is that I would pretend I was a writer. Jamaica Kincaid childknowpretend share on social
You know how some people write every day at a certain point? I'm not like that. I carry something around for a long time. I weigh the words and the sentences. I weigh the paragraphs. The process is much more meditative for me. Jamaica Kincaid carrydaylong share on social
I have no credentials. I have no money. I literally come from a poor place. I was a servant. I dropped out of college. The next thing you know I'm writing for the 'New Yorker,' I have this sort of life, and it must seem annoying to people. Jamaica Kincaid annoycollegecredential share on social
When I moved out here to California, I became obsessed with geology. It's impossible not to be interested in the earth if you live in a place like this. I started to read a lot of geology, much to the horror of my friends. Jamaica Kincaid californiaearthfriend share on social
Children like their mothers especially to be standing still and watching them, even if they are sleeping. At least that's how I felt. There's nothing wrong with the self-interest of children; it's just the way they are. Jamaica Kincaid childfeltinterest share on social
I like cooking, but I think someone else ought to do the dishes. Jamaica Kincaid cookdish Change image and share on social
I didn't know it was possible to be successful as a writer, so I wasn't afraid to fail. Jamaica Kincaid afraidfailsuccessful Change image and share on social
When I'm writing, I think about the garden, and when I'm in the garden I think about writing. I do a lot of writing by putting something in the ground. Jamaica Kincaid gardengrindlot Change image and share on social
I think life is difficult and that's that. I am not at all - absolutely not at all - interested in the pursuit of happiness. I am not interested in the pursuit of positivity. I am interested in pursuing a truth, and the truth often seems to be not happiness but its opposite. Jamaica Kincaid absolutelydifficulthappiness share on social
At the time I was taught to read, it was an Eden-like time of my life. My mother adored me. Everyone adored me. So I associate reading with enormous pleasure. Jamaica Kincaid adoreassociateeden Change image and share on social
