We're looking for stories that speak to us. We're looking for stories that connect us with something true. But, instead, a lot of the time we get strippers. All I'm saying is, when boys are writing the stories, the percentage of strippers is bound to go up. And real stories about real women kinda don't get written at all.

Something good was happening. My life was rising from the ashes, and the sight of it left me feeling something like hopeful.

There is no question that the objects that surround us impact our experience of the world.

I guess that's the upside of not being young anymore... You know from experience that the struggle always leads, in some way, to something better.

I like to write about people who are real and likeable. I like to write about people who tell their stories in that close and intimate voice we use with best friends. I love the closeness and honesty and vulnerability that come from characters who can talk that way.

If you feel lucky, then you are.

You don't have to be perfect to be awesome.