Each of us has that right, that possibility, to invent ourselves daily.

It is better to control oneself, if one can, and not hit back. But on certain occasions, it is imperative to defend oneself. I don't think it's fair to ask anybody not to defend herself or himself.

Modesty is a learned affectation. And as soon as life slams the modest person against the wall, that modesty drops.

The problem I have with haters is that they see my glory, but they don't know my story.

Never, never let a person know you're frightened. And a group of them ... absolutely never. Fear brings out the worst in everybody.

I'm convinced of this: Good done anywhere is good done everywhere.

When asked how she knows when her writing is where she wants it to be: "I know when it's the best I can do. It may not be the best there is. Another writer may do it much better. But I know when it's the best I can do. I know that one of the great arts that the writer develops is the art of saying, 'No. No, I'm finished. Bye.' And leaving it alone. I will not write it into the ground. I will not write the life out of it. I won't do that."