I believed that old people never laughed. I thought they sighed a lot and groaned. They walked with sticks, and they didn't like children on bicycles or roller skates or with big dogs.

You say to yourself: 'What could people, in all these countries, find in my books?' and yet I think we're all the same, anywhere. Everybody is a hero or a dramatic person in their own story if you just know where to look.

I think I was dealt a good hand. I have happy genes.

Money doesn't make you happy, but it gives a zone of comfort around you.

You're much more believable if you talk in your own voice.

My brother married young, and his is the best marriage I know.

I've been very lucky and I have a happy old age with good family and friends still around.