Before I had published anything, I still hung out with people who liked to write. None of us had published, so there… — Chang-Rae Lee Copy Share Image
Historical novels are about costumery. I think that's the magic and mystery of fiction. I don't want to write historical fiction but… — Chang-Rae Lee Copy Share Image
Maybe someone's who's a different kind of writer [would think otherwise] - someone who'd be just as comfortable writing essays on what… — Chang-Rae Lee Copy Share Image
We read and remember certain writers because they offer distinctive voices and perspectives, because they've given themselves over completely and passionately to… — Chang-Rae Lee Copy Share Image
When I'm describing wartime activities or violence I don't want to be too ornate, to prettify the picture. Once we trace them… — Chang-Rae Lee Copy Share Image
I wanted to write about the Korean War, but I had no entry into it that made the kind of sense it… — Chang-Rae Lee Copy Share Image
I'd always wanted to write something about the Korean War because of my heritage. My father lost his brother during the war,… — Chang-Rae Lee Copy Share Image
Obviously loss of family is huge and critical, but I think really it's more about losing a sense of family. The horror… — Chang-Rae Lee Copy Share Image
I think my parents recognised that I'd always wanted to be a writer, and so they didn't think that this was some idle, faddish… — Chang-Rae Lee Copy Share Image
Some writers are writing one great, big book and just taking all these different avenues towards it. They might seem on the outside to… — Chang-Rae Lee Copy Share Image
I try to be aware of what I'm concerned about, aware of how I feel about myself in the world, aware of how I… — Chang-Rae Lee Copy Share Image
“I would give most anything to hear my father's talk again, the crash and bang and stop of his language, always hurtling by. I… — Chang-rae Lee Copy Share Image
We have hopes and make plans, and if they are dashed or waylaid, we naturally rationalize and redraw the map to locate ourselves anew.… — Chang-Rae Lee Copy Share Image
I remember when I was in art classes, I hated following the assignments. And I would get in trouble for doing something totally different… — Chang-Rae Lee Copy Share Image
The past, as you suggest, is absolutely present at all times and the present is born from the past. I wouldn't want to suggest… — Chang-Rae Lee Copy Share Image
Most people don't think about race as much as I do. They don't have to. — Chang-Rae Lee Copy Share Image
Not to any really influential effect, but certainly there have been comments that have surprised me. It's surprising sometimes to get particular perspectives on… — Chang-Rae Lee Copy Share Image
My family immigrated when I was 3, and our predecessors inhabited the Korean Peninsula for as long as can be recalled. — Chang-Rae Lee Copy Share Image
