There are only a few bits of absolute knowledge in the world, people can learn only one or two fundamental facts about each other, the rest is decoration and prejudice.

I think I've only spent about ten percent of my energies on writing. The other ninety percent went to keeping my head above water.

Trust your happiness and the richness of your life at this moment. It is as true and as much yours as anything else that ever happened to you.

I can pray better when I'm comfortable.

Be bold, and try not to fall in love with your faults. Don't be so afraid of giving yourself away, either, for if yo write, you must. And if you can't face that, better not write.

I have a great deal of religious symbolism in my stories because I have a very deep sense of religion and also I have a religious training. And I suppose you don't say, `I'm going to have the flowering judas tree stand for betrayal,' but of course it does.

I was right not to be afraid of any thief but myself, who will end by leaving me nothing.