We learned after the first semester in law school that it's best never to discuss exams. If notes are compared afterwards, you become painfully aware of things you missed.

I've sold too many books to get good reviews anymore. There's a lot of jealousy, because [reviewers] think they can write a good novel or a best-seller and get frustrated when they can't. I've learned to despise them.

I was tired of secrets, tired of seeing things I was not supposed to see. And so I just cried.

Writing was not a childhood dream of mine. I do not recall longing to write as a student. I wasn't sure how to start.

Critics should find meaningful work.

I grew up in a very small, close-knit, Southern Baptist family, where everything was off-limits. So I couldn't wait to get to college and have some fun. And I did for the first two years. And I regret a lot of it, because my grades were in terrible shape.

One thing you really have to watch as a writer is getting on a soapbox or pulpit about anything. You don't want to alienate readers.