My mind is like a gyre, and odd juxtapositions happen. Ruth Ozeki gyrehappenjuxtaposition Change image and share on social
Inspiration comes from everything from the entire world, and it's hard to pinpoint one thing. I can trace one inspiration to the writing of 13th-century Zen master Dogen Zenji, who writes beautifully about time. Ruth Ozeki 13thbeautifullycentury share on social
I think all characters are facets of the writer. In a way, they have to be if you're going to write them convincingly. Ruth Ozeki characterconvincinglyfacet Change image and share on social
It costs so much to make films. With a novel, you can write the whole thing on a ream of paper from Staples for $4. Ruth Ozeki costfilmmake Change image and share on social
I live in a beautiful part of British Columbia, and I run through the rainforest. I do have to look over my shoulder to check for a cougar or a wolf though, so sometimes it's not the most relaxing. Ruth Ozeki beautifulbritishcheck Change image and share on social
Even though I was making documentaries, my films had fictional elements to them. I think I like blurring those distinctions because so much of what we see on television purports to be the truth, but it's often largely imaginary - or wishful thinking, or any number of less honorable things. Ruth Ozeki blurdistinctiondocumentary share on social
When I write fiction, I have the illusion of being able to control these fictional worlds and these characters, and to make them say what I want them to say. Of course, the problem is that it is an illusion, and by the end of it you realize that you're not in control of it at all; the characters have taken over, and they're driving the vehicle. Ruth Ozeki charactercontroldrive share on social
Canada has always been a great place for literature. It's strong and growing stronger, and there will always be reading, and there will always be great writers. Ruth Ozeki canadagreatgrow Change image and share on social
I've always played that edge of fact and fiction. I used to be a filmmaker, and certainly in film that's a line that filmmakers cross more readily and more easily than novelists. Ruth Ozeki crosseasilyedge Change image and share on social
There's something about the idea of writing, and thinking about writing as a form of prayer - the way as a writer you call out into the world and throw your words into the world. You're not praying to a god, but you're almost conjuring a reader to arrive. That's what books do: they're an invitation to readers. Ruth Ozeki arrivebookcall share on social