Any middle-aged woman knows that our feet are not for the faint of heart, especially in midwinter. I wear clogs, so it's actually like my feet are wooden now.

I read, therefore, I matter.

Ellen had long ago stopped being embarrassed by temper tantrums. She flipped it and wore it like a badge of honor. A temper tantrum was a sign that a mom said no when it counted.

Let's talk about a decision that women have to make every morning- Big purse or little purse?

I love my job, and I love books. I read anything, including cereal boxes. I care deeply about what people think of my books, and I memorize my reviews. I love to hear from my readers.

Truth is, every writer has to be a good editor, and you have to edit yourself. It's a skill every writer has to acquire.

There was no known cure for a Catholic education.