“When I was in college, I had the good fortune to have Joyce Carol Oate...” — Jonathan Ames Quote

“When I was in college, I had the good fortune to have Joyce Carol Oates as my writing teacher. She told me that I could take an aspect of myself, and from that one bit of personality, I can create a character. This is what I have done, particularly in my novels.”

“I am always the source of the worst rumors about myself.”

“There are so many talented young writers named Jonathan, with whom by comparison I suffer terribly.”

“I am a method actor, but I'm also a film actor as well as a method actor. Characters that don't have humility, whether they are heroes or villains, are hard to relate to. All characters in every aspect of what we do should have humility. If they don't, then they're a cartoon character.”

“I am huge on bold, strong flavors, and I think every aspect of a dish should be thoughtful, whether it's the chicken on top of a Cobb salad or the topping on a savory casserole.”

“I love the you-never-know-what's-going-to-happen aspect of doing concerts.”