I am very grateful for the success, because it has given me the freedom to write without pressure, in my own way, and has enabled me to maintain my family and educate my children and grandchildren, as well as to create a Foundation to empower women and girls.

The success occurs in a place outside of me, and doesn't touch me on an intimate level. I live in my own skin, I have not changed greatly, I remain the same woman.

if we don't begin by imagining the perfect society, how shall we create one?

The media could do a much better job, that's for sure, especially the media that targets women... Human rights? They couldn't care less!

The first few months of my life of every year are in total retreat. I don't see anybody except my husband and my dog, I don't talk to anybody, and I just write.

You spend the first part of your life collecting things ... and the second half getting rid of them.

Love is music, and sex is only the instrument.