“'The Ballad of Black Tom' was written, in part, during the latest roun...” — Victor LaValle Quote

“'The Ballad of Black Tom' was written, in part, during the latest round of arguments about H. P. Lovecraft's legacy as both a great writer and a prejudiced man. I grew up worshipping the guy, so this issue felt quite personal to me.”

“The devil that stayed with me most vividly was the one from the cover of Iron Maiden's 'Number of the Beast' album.”

“I can't inhabit my characters until I know what kind of work they do. This requires research because my jobs for the last decade have been author and professor, and I'd like to spare the world more author or professor novels.”

“Their argument, and I think it's a correct one, is that they'll make more money from the trades and the hardcovers if nobody messes with the creative team.”

“I have long been one of those tedious people who rails against the coronation of 'student-athletes.' I have heard the argument that big-time athletics bring in loads of money to universities. I don't believe the money goes anywhere other than back into the sports teams, but that's another story.”

“Political debate with liberals is basically impossible in America today because liberals are calling names while conservatives are trying to make arguments.”