Be good at something. It makes you valuable. Have something to bring to the table, because that will make you more welcome.

Time is all you have and you may find one day that you have less than you think.

You can't get there alone. People have to help you, and I do believe in karma. I believe in paybacks. You get people to help you by telling the truth, by being earnest.

I have never thought of writing as hard work, but I have worked hard to find a voice.

Show gratitude. Gratitude is a simple but powerful thing.

Be willing to apologize. Proper apologies have three parts: 1) What I did was wrong. 2) I'm sorry that I hurt you. 3) How do I make it better? It's the third part that people tend to forget. Apologize when you screw up and focus on other people, not on yourself.

We've placed a lot of emphasis in this country on the idea of people's rights. That's how it should be, but it makes no sense to talk about rights without also talking about responsibilities.