Fear isn’t only a guide to keep us safe; it’s also a manipulative emotion that can trick us into living a boring life … the great stories go to those who don’t give in to fear.

You can't tell a good story without conflict - the story can't be beautiful or meaningful. We're taught to run from conflict, and it's robbing us of some really good stories.

Even our beliefs have become trend statements.

I stay away from churches in which I feel like I have to pretend I'm a better person than I am. That sort of thing moves my faith backwards.

And when you find love, or when you are mature enough to understand it, the feeling you get is gratitude.

I think the things we want most in life, the things we think will set us free, are not the thing we need.

The downside of being a writer is you get plenty of time to overthink your life.