I don't think I began to be a professional writer until I learned my weaknesses and what I couldn't do. This forced me to compensate.

Don't miss the bus, boy. You're missing a lot of things in the world, better not miss that bus.

I had my bully, and it was excruciating. Not only the bully, but the intimidation I felt.

A writer must take risks, defy the odds, be a bit obsessed and a little mad.

Affection is one of the most neglected words in the English language, that people throw the word love around like confetti when they mean affection.

You bring up your children to be self-reliant and independent and they double-cross you and become self-reliant and independent.

As much as there is joy in writing, there's always the little bit of terror to keep you on edge, on your toes. It is a strange way to occupy yourself - to enjoy your life on a daily basis. There is no guarantee that something great is going to come next.