Sometimes not speaking says more than all the words in the world.

We try so hard to hide everything we're really feeling from those who probably need to know our true feelings the most. People try to bottle up their emotions, as if it's somehow wrong to have natural reactions to life.

Please don't allow anyone to make you feel less than what you are.

It's not a confession if no one reads it. It's just an unshared secret.

When I published my first novel, Slammed, I included lyrics at the beginning of each chapter from one of my favorite bands, The Avett Brothers. The overwhelmingly positive response from readers to those lyrics really surprised me.

I don't care who the student is, teachers should never be condescending. That should be the first rule in the teacher handbook.

Some secrets should never turn into confessions. I know that better than anyone.