There was a time when I had no work, and I had to sit at home for 4 years.
Two years passed, and I had no second book to follow 'Roots.' Four years passed, six years. When a decade had passed without me having another book to follow 'Roots,' I was having serious private frustrations with myself.
For years and years, I would sit in my studio, and I wouldn't have any inspiration. I'd write one or two songs a year.
I don't remember my 20s as a good place.
It's weird, because I don't feel prolific. I don't write anything for months at a time.
A novelist who writes nothing for 10 years finds his reputation rising. Because I keep on producing books they say there must be something wrong with this fellow.
I'm sick when I don't work for year or two.
Between 1972 and 1976, I really didn't do much.