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.

Listening is a magnetic and strange thing, a creative force. The friends who listen to us are the ones we read more

Listening is a magnetic and strange thing, a creative force. The friends who listen to us are the ones we move toward. When we are listened to, it creates us, makes us unfold and expand.

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.

The opposite of talking is not listening. The opposite of talking is waiting. -Fran Lebowitz.

The opposite of talking is not listening. The opposite of talking is waiting. -Fran Lebowitz.

Listen or thy tongue will keep thee deaf. -Native American.

Listen or thy tongue will keep thee deaf. -Native American.

But yet she listen'd--'tis enough--
Who listens once will listen twice;
Her heart, be sure, is not read more

But yet she listen'd--'tis enough--
Who listens once will listen twice;
Her heart, be sure, is not of ice,
And one refusal no rebuff.

Listening, not imitation, may be the sincerest form of flattery. -Dr Joyce Brothers.

Listening, not imitation, may be the sincerest form of flattery. -Dr Joyce Brothers.

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.

The hearing ear is always found close to the speaking tongue.

The hearing ear is always found close to the speaking tongue.