One of the things that makes a dead leaf fall to the ground is the bud of the new leaf that pushes it off the limb.

Let me say that I absolutely loved writing 'A Common Life,' because it was a book about love.

My grandmother influenced me so deeply.

I learned not to be so bitterly defeated when my fiction took a beating from editors. I learned in advertising to color in the lines and have my work done on time and to make it the very best it could be.

So many people don't know that God loves them. They feel, 'Why would God love me? Why would He be interested in me?

Lord, make me a blessing to someone today

I made real sacrifices and took big risks. But living, it seems to me, is largely about risk.