There are lots of artists in the world. But there's only one you. And the only person who has your point of view is you. If you decide not to make things, all you've done is deprive the world of all the stuff that only you could have brought to it.

Short stories are tiny windows into other worlds and other minds and dreams. They are journeys you can make to the far side of the universe and still be back in time for dinner.

I hope that in this year to come, you make mistakes. Because if you are making mistakes, then you are making new things, trying new things, learning, living, pushing yourself, changing yourself, changing your world. You're doing things you've never done before, and more importantly, you're Doing Something.

And he waited. It was only for a few seconds, but it felt like a small forever.

I hope you read some fine books and kiss someone who thinks you're wonderful.

You don't pass or fail at being a person, dear.

You were her way here, and it's a dangerous thing to be a door.