As far as making a living, if plumbing earned more, I'd probably do it. At least you can leave the job at home once the tools are put away. A writer works in his mind 24/7.
Every time I see something about the Wild West, I'm reminded that our version of history may not be what really happened.
People don't realize you're blowing over changes, time changes, harmony, different keys. I mark a point in my solo where it's got to peak at point D I go to A, B, C D then I'm home.
The starting point of all great jazz has got to be format, a language that you can work within that, in some ways, is much tighter than the blues or even gospel. It's all working towards the same destination - the difference being that Miles Davis flew there, and I'm still taking the subway.
Being a best-selling author doesn't make you a millionaire. It's not like Stephen King.
Spike Lee listens a lot. He's one of the quietest creative people I've ever met.
