Give a girl a boyfriend and she becomes a total expert on relationships

But she'd wanted him there and there he was. A lamb ready for slaughter.

I always resented books that tried to teach a lesson, where the characters are too good: They don't swear, they tell their mothers everything.

My biggest fear in writing 'Gossip Girl' was that the characters would sound like stereotypical rich, air-headed heiresses. These were my friends. They were smart and multifaceted. They had interests and passions. They wanted to become lawyers and doctors and writers and filmmakers.

Most people were raised to believe they are just as good as the next person. I was always told I was better.

No matter the truth, people see what they want to see.

I avoid the young adult section altogether if possible, although it's sometimes fun to catch a girl lying on the floor, reading "Gossip Girl."