What happens in the past, is in the past. But don't be surprised if it comes back and haunts you.

Too many writers think that all you need to do is write well-but that's only part of what a good book is. Above all, a good book tells a good story. Focus on the story first. Ask yourself, 'Will other people find this story so interesting that they will tell others about it?' Remember: A bestselling book usually follows a simple rule, 'It's a wonderful story, wonderfully told'; not, 'It's a wonderfully told story.'

Too many people seem to believe that silence was a void that needed to be filled, even if nothing important was said.

One of the things I've learned in my life is that sometimes you've got to take a chance.

Angela had done a marvelous job, I tell you. The puke was everywhere except the toilet. The walls, the floor, the sinks - even on the ceiling, though don't ask me how she did that. So there I was, perched on all fours, cleaning up the puke at the homecoming dance in my best blue suit, which was exactly what I had wanted to avoid in the first place. And Jamie, my date, was on all fours, too, doing exactly the same thing.

I don't want to live the rest of my life thinking about you and dreaming of what might have been. Stay with me, Allie.

It's okay to be sad. Everyone gets sad now and then. Even me.