The devil that stayed with me most vividly was the one from the cover of Iron Maiden's 'Number of the Beast' album. Victor LaValle albumbeastcover Change image and share on social
I can't inhabit my characters until I know what kind of work they do. This requires research because my jobs for the last decade have been author and professor, and I'd like to spare the world more author or professor novels. Victor LaValle authorcharacterdecade share on social
Clothes are a kind of uniform. A nun's habit, a surgeon's scrubs, a cop's uniform. People often say that when they put on a certain uniform, they actually think of themselves differently. Victor LaValle clothecopdifferently Change image and share on social
If you want to learn the true nature of a child you have to watch how she plays. If you want to learn the true nature of an adult you have to watch how she does her job. Victor LaValle adultchildjob Change image and share on social
Here's the thing: I was charming. Well read and well spoken. Observant and even kind. In other words, I was kind of a catch. And I knew this was true. As long as you couldn't see me. If you saw me, you'd think I was the sea cow that had swallowed your catch. Victor LaValle catchcharmcow share on social
I'm always trying to make myself laugh. I'm the most enthusiastic audience I'm likely to find, so if it doesn't make me smile then it probably won't work on you. The jokes that only make me shrug get cut. Victor LaValle audiencecutenthusiastic share on social
I had a pretty bad time when I was an undergraduate at Cornell University. I failed out of school. I was much, much heavier. Victor LaValle badcornellfail Change image and share on social
I'm a big fan of monsters. Number one, they're fun, and two, they're such great ways to access the subconscious fears and beliefs of any group of people. Victor LaValle accessbeliefbig Change image and share on social
Shirley Jackson enjoyed notoriety and commercial success within her lifetime, and yet it still hardly seems like enough for a writer so singular. When I meet readers and other writers of my generation, I find that mentioning her is like uttering a holy name. Victor LaValle commercialenjoyfind share on social
In the past, a writer had to go outside and get to know others before learning about their work, but the Internet has made humanity more accessible for misanthropes like me. I read blogs, tweets, Facebook posts and Reddit threads where people detail their jobs. Victor LaValle accessibleblogdetail share on social
