We don't choose the books we write; they choose us. Miriam Toews bookchoosewrite Change image and share on social
Like every Canadian, I have been taught that one of the most important functions of art is to supply and elaborate the myths and narratives of nationhood. Miriam Toews artcanadianelaborate Change image and share on social
All the books I've read, I've read at the right moment. Miriam Toews bookhavemoment Change image and share on social
I would never want to deny my Mennonite background and culture; I'll always feel like and be identified as a Mennonite and therefore possess that little extra authority on our beliefs. I also see myself as a Canadian writer. Miriam Toews authoritybackgroundbelief share on social
Ignore all advice about writing. Leave your blood on every page. Every page! Miriam Toews advicebloodignore Change image and share on social
There are people who are just suicidal, regardless. They are built to self-destruct. It seems, in my family, like a virus that's resistant to any kind of help or care or medication. Miriam Toews buildcaredestruct Change image and share on social
The British are actually a lot more appreciative of the comic. In Canada, if you're perceived as a comic writer, there's a real snobbery, and you can't be serious. You're not a big hitter. Miriam Toews appreciativebigbritish Change image and share on social
I stare out the window and reflect on the similarity between writing and saving a life and the inevitable failure of one's imagination and one's goals and ambitions to create a character or a life worth saving. Miriam Toews ambitioncharactercreate share on social
'Irma Voth' is my sixth book, but it's only the third time I've featured Mennonite settings and characters. Miriam Toews bookcharacterfeature Change image and share on social
A writer is always, always searching, even against her will, against all her better instincts, for the thread of a story. Everything is fodder. Everything is fuel. You can feel it coming on like the tingling of a sore throat. The brain never stops struggling to reshape every experience and feeling into a coherent narrative. Miriam Toews braincoherentcome share on social