You must never allow something that happened to you to become a morbidly treasured heirloom that you carry, show people, put back in its black velvet pouch and then tuck back into your jacket where you can keep it close to your heart.

It’s a wonder I’m even alive. Sometimes I think that. I think that I can’t believe I haven’t killed myself. But there’s something in me that just keeps going on. I think it has something to do with tomorrow, that there is always one, and that everything can change when it comes.

I always tried to learn Greek, but all I got out of it was, "poulaki mou." ["My little chicken."]

I think writers tend to be experience junkies, and I think they also tend to want to be on the outside looking in.

What police officer would dare ticket Death's minivan?

Truthfulness itself is almost medication, even when it’s served without advice or insight.

All children should be loved, protected, nurtured --emotionally and intellectually-- respected, and never, under any circumstances, underestimated.