The more a daughter knows the details of her mother's life [...] the stronger the daughter.

In Egypt, I loved the perfume of the lotus. A flower would bloom in the pool at dawn, filling the entire garden with a blue musk so powerful it seemed that even the fish and ducks would swoon. By night, the flower might wither but the perfume lasted. Fainter and fainter, but never quite gone. Even many days later, the lotus remained in the garden. Months would pass and a bee would alight near the spot where the lotus had blossomed, and its essence was released again, momentary but undeniable.

I got nice rejections explaining that historical fiction was a difficult sell. But I kept trying.

Shakespeare in Love... such smart writing of an alternative view of history, and such beautiful acting. Like most Americans, I'm a sucker for the accent.

It's a good thing babies don't give you a lot of time to think. You fall in love with them and when you realize how much they love you back, life is very simple.

I never wanted Mary Poppins to be my nanny. I wanted to be her when I grew up.

It was one of those perfect fall days when the air is cool enough to wake you up but the sun is also kissing your face.