Approach your lives as if they were novels, with their own heroes, villains, red herrings, and triumphs.

When someone is mean to me, I just make them a victim in my next book.

Funny, when you finally faced reality, it was amazing how clearly you could see things.

Writing is storytelling. No matter how you slice it, you're saying, 'Once upon a time.' That's what writing is all about.

The flame of inspiration needs to be encouraged. Put a glass around that small candle and protect it from discouragement or ridicule.

A common question asked of writers is "When did you decide to become a writer?" The answer, of course, is that we didn't decide anything. It was decided for us. I firmly believe that mythical godmothers make appearances at our cradles, and bestow their gifts. The godmother who might have blessed me with a singing voice did not show up; the goddess of dance was nowhere in sight; the chef-to-the-angels was otherwise engaged. Only one made the journey to my cradle, and she whispered, "You will be a storyteller."

I certainly understand very much what it's (like when) an expense comes up and you're trying to figure out how to pay for it.