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

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.

I am a natural optimist but there were times when (it seemed like) I was doing nothing but adding up on the back of envelope what I had to pay this month.

When a scientist's son or daughter becomes a scientist they'll say "Wonderful! Wonderful!" So, why, in the name of God, would a mother be jealous to see her daughter become a successful writer?

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

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."

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