All I wanted to do was read, to be told stories. Stories were full of excitement and emotions and characters that entertained and often inspired.

I was no scholar in college, and was arrogant about what I thought.

Rebellion is necessary for development of character.

The worst things weren't outside of you.

...a really good friend, the kind of friend who - when they were together both of them were more able to be who they really were.

But I'll tell you something else, too. Something I've learned, the hard way. I guess"—Gram laughed a little—"I'm the kind of person who has to learn things the hard way. You've got to hold on. Hold on to people. They can get away from you. It's not always going to be fun, but if you don't—hold on—then you lose them.

By the time I started high school, I knew I wanted to be a writer. After graduating from Smith College in Massachusetts, I moved to New York City and worked for the advertising agency J. Walter Thompson.