Refer to Explorations in Literature for a complete version of this interview.

In "Interview with Simon Ortiz," Ortiz describes his writing process:

"No, I can’t. I mean, I could tell you a few things. I try to keep up the habit, and it is a habit to try to write every day. I try to write in the morning and I try to write in the evening. The process itself is in trying to be conscious of what voices are speaking inside me. I will try to write everything down."

How does Ortiz's use of language in this excerpt set an informal tone?


His use of short sentences gives this part of the interview a feeling of urgency or great excitement.

His reference to the "voices" that are "speaking inside" of him make this part of the interview feel secretive or protective.


His use of first-person pronouns helps make this part of the interview feel very personal.


His repeated use of the word "try" gives this part of the interview an uncertain or hesitant feeling.