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There is something so arbitrary about prizes.

I don't value prizes of any sort.

In the world of literature, I see prizes as more of a duty to the craft itself, rather than as something for the individual.

Prize lists are out, and you're not on them? Nature of the world - means nothing. Prizes are a lottery.

I am knowledgeable enough about the world of prizes to realize that there is a large degree of luck - both for the recognitions that you receive and those that you did not.

Lots of people have objections to prizes of all types, and it would be extraordinary if everybody agreed on anything that's worthwhile - they never do.

The nicest part of the prize, perhaps, is the effect on my friends and family. Each of them feels proud and happy to have the relationship with me that they do. In a way, it's as though they received an award too, and I like that very much.

I was never much of a one to win prizes... and certainly never placed too much value on their acquisition.

I'm not sure about prizes. I don't know how far you can seriously raise public consciousness about poetry. Having a 'National Poetry Day,' like a 'No Smoking Day,' is just shelving the problem. Things which should by rights be every day are not best served by these things.

Ninety-five percent of the time when I run a contest I've purchased the giveaway prizes with advertising money.