I try to create new characters in each book I write. That's what makes writing fun and interesting for me.

If all you leave in the library is books that you think speak to everyone, what are you going to have? You'd have nothing.

I never thought about writing. I was married young, I was still in college, as we did then, and I had two babies before I was 25, and I loved them, and I loved taking care of them, but I was a little bit cuckoo, staying at home and not having a creative outlet.

The best books come from someplace deep inside.... Become emotionally involved. If you don't care about your characters, your readers won't either.

I think we made out [sexuality changing]. I think that's really great, and we didn't jump into intercourse. And there were no blow jobs.

I was Little Miss Perfect. That's where all the secrets come in, because you know damn well you are not perfect, but you think your parents want you to be. And so you pretend.

Determination and hard work are as important as talent.