Before I got my present job, I spent many years teaching writing part-time, so-called, at community colleges and universities. It's academia's version of migrant labor. — Debra Dean Copy Share Image
As a writer, the ideal job is the one that allows you time and mental space away from it. Teaching seemed to me like the obvious choice - those summers off, you know - but my experience may serve as… — Debra Dean Copy Share Image
“Whatever we know as children, this is the world, eaten whole and without question.” — Debra Dean Copy Share Image
I kept writing short stories and sending out my manuscript, and it kept coming back like a bad penny. It was rejected all over… — Debra Dean Copy Share Image
That requires quite an imaginative leap because it's hard for me to imagine that my biography would be of much interest to anyone, and… — Debra Dean Copy Share Image
“Whatever is eating her brain consumes only the fresher memories, the unripe moments” — Debra Dean Copy Share Image
With the historical fictions, I was already doing so much research, and so much of the stories was anchored by historical truth that the… — Debra Dean Copy Share Image
Whatever one may say about the perils of workshops, they help writers internalize an awareness of audience. — Debra Dean Copy Share Image
Peculiar as I was, and remain, I was trained to be practical. I'm still amazed at the radical temerity of my friends, you included,… — Debra Dean Copy Share Image
Unless you're Stephen King or Joyce Carol Oates, no one's going to recognize you on the street, and you're promoting your book, not yourself. — Debra Dean Copy Share Image
I tell my students, if you're interested in marine biology or llama farming, follow that string. Yes, it will probably take you a longer… — Debra Dean Copy Share Image
Along the way, I've worked as a waitress, I've done phone surveys, and worked as a receptionist, and for the last twenty years I've… — Debra Dean Copy Share Image
“He nods solemnly and repeats the stock response of the Housing Committee whenever they address the perpetual shortage of apartments in Leningrad. “Privacy is… — Debra Dean Copy Share Image
