I have learned as much about writing about my people by listening to blues and jazz and spirituals as I read more

I have learned as much about writing about my people by listening to blues and jazz and spirituals as I have by reading novels.

No man would listen to you talk if he did not know that it was his turn next.

No man would listen to you talk if he did not know that it was his turn next.

You cannot truly listen to anyone and do anything else at the same time. -M. Scott Peck.

You cannot truly listen to anyone and do anything else at the same time. -M. Scott Peck.

Much silence makes a powerful noise. -African proverb.

Much silence makes a powerful noise. -African proverb.

The greatest gift you can give another is the purity of your attention.

The greatest gift you can give another is the purity of your attention.

Listen. Don't explain or justify.

Listen. Don't explain or justify.

It is the province of knowledge to speak And it is the privilege of wisdom to listen. -Oliver Wendell Holmes.

It is the province of knowledge to speak And it is the privilege of wisdom to listen. -Oliver Wendell Holmes.

Take care what you say before a wall, as you cannot tell who may be behind it.

Take care what you say before a wall, as you cannot tell who may be behind it.

It is greed to do all the talking but not to want to listen at all.

It is greed to do all the talking but not to want to listen at all.