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.

Be a good listener. Your ears will never get you in trouble.

Be a good listener. Your ears will never get you in trouble.

The wise old owl lived in an oak; The more he saw the less he spoke; The less he spoke read more

The wise old owl lived in an oak; The more he saw the less he spoke; The less he spoke the more he heard: Why can't we all be like that bird? -Edward H. Richards.

Much silence makes a powerful noise. -African proverb.

Much silence makes a powerful noise. -African proverb.

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.

If the person you are talking to doesn't appear to be listening, be patient. It may simply be that he read more

If the person you are talking to doesn't appear to be listening, be patient. It may simply be that he has a small piece of fluff in his ear. -A. A. Milne.

The ear is something we cannot close at will, and we are the poorer for it.

The ear is something we cannot close at will, and we are the poorer for it.

Wisdom is the reward for a lifetime of listening ... when you'd have preferred to talk. -D.J. Kaufman.

Wisdom is the reward for a lifetime of listening ... when you'd have preferred to talk. -D.J. Kaufman.

Listen. Don't explain or justify.

Listen. Don't explain or justify.