Growing up means :propelling yourself forward into whatever lies ahead, one turn of the wheel at a time.

Something had changed in me, even if I didn't know what it was just yet. All I could think was that I felt alive for the first time.

This was just one night, one chance to vary and see where it took me. The fireflies were probably already out: maybe it wasn’t just a season or a time but a whole world I’d forgotten. I’d never know until I stepped out into it. So I did.

How it felt to have the world moving beneath me, a hand gripping mine, knowing if I fell, at least I wouldn't do it alone.

You're not a sucker. You're just nice. You give people the benefit of the doubt.

Whenever something great happens, you’re always kind of poised for the universe to correct itself.

I have SO many books I didn't sell. Some my agent rejected outright, others made it all the way to my editor to be turned away. Not everything is a winner, which is tough when you've devoted eight or nine months of your life to something.