I think the biggest influence on the book, as far as the humor goes, comes, at least indirectly, from the men I… — Donald Ray Pollock Copy Share Image
I would like to write a book that wasn't so violent and weird, but I just don't think I can do that… — Donald Ray Pollock Copy Share Image
“I don't know,' Del said. 'I read this book. I guess you could say we were looking for a better life.' 'Did… — Donald Ray Pollock Copy Share Image
Id always been a big reader, and I loved books, and I always thought writing would be a great way to get… — Donald Ray Pollock Copy Share Image
The biggest influence on my writing, besides snagging some ideas about black humor, was that the paper mill had a program where… — Donald Ray Pollock Copy Share Image
The way I saw the characters these things just happened naturally. At the same time - and I know it's probably not… — Donald Ray Pollock Copy Share Image
Probably because I personally knew at least six or seven people in Ross County who died from overdoses in the last three… — Donald Ray Pollock Copy Share Image
I've always liked reading books that contain funny lines or situations, and maybe because my work is known chiefly for its violence… — Donald Ray Pollock Copy Share Image
I'm trying to break myself of that habit [of not writing out a first draft ] because I'm working on a couple… — Donald Ray Pollock Copy Share Image
I'm always doubting my work, even when people are kind enough to say good things. I still have a hard time believing… — Donald Ray Pollock Copy Share Image
I don't think my book is any more shocking than if I went out right now and brought back your local newspaper… — Donald Ray Pollock Copy Share Image
“Strangers complained about the stench, but the locals liked to brag that it was the sweet smell of money.” — Donald Ray Pollock Copy Share Image
I don't really think the outburst is recent; there have always been writers in Appalachia. — Donald Ray Pollock Copy Share Image
Unless he had whiskey running through his veins, Willard came to the clearing every morning and evening to talk to God. Arvin didn't know… — Donald Ray Pollock Copy Share Image
For example, if it's a sad scene, I need to feel that way, at least to a slight degree and for a short while,… — Donald Ray Pollock Copy Share Image
As for how I feel about any success I've had, I just feel extremely lucky. Writing is a tough racket, and there are a… — Donald Ray Pollock Copy Share Image
Part of the reason might be that I was born in 1954 and I look upon my youth with great fondness, like many old… — Donald Ray Pollock Copy Share Image
I've never heard of that anthology [Vance Randolph, Pissing in the Snow], but you can be sure I'll buy it now. — Donald Ray Pollock Copy Share Image
When I first started out, I was trying to write stories about nurses and lawyers and a lot of people I didn't know anything… — Donald Ray Pollock Copy Share Image
“It's hard to live a good life...It seems like the Devil don't ever let up.” — Donald Ray Pollock Copy Share Image
I'm not sure what the proper label might be, or the most accurate one, but someone once called my stuff Southern Ohio Gothic and… — Donald Ray Pollock Copy Share Image
Don't get me wrong: I think that everyone should put forth an effort to do better, but let's face it, some of us are… — Donald Ray Pollock Copy Share Image
I look upon [writing about religion] as a nice way to get by in this precarious world, though I've never been able to do… — Donald Ray Pollock Copy Share Image