The Jungian therapist taught me the difference between the ego and the shadow. I realized I'd been so busy being a good girl that I'd completely detached from my shadow. It's something we all have, and it's where all the creative juices are.

Ghosts don't haunt us. That's not how it works. They're present among us because we won't let go of them.

If you're unhappy, change something.

I read the paper every day. There are certain subjects that will catch my attention. I have an entire file of articles. Of course I make up the story, especially since most criminals are not very smart and fictional crime must be clever. I have to make sure the story I am telling is interesting and realistic. In this book I went on line and found out the manners of codes. I thought it interesting to use them as a jumping off point.

Grieving is like being ill. You think the entire world revolves around you and it doesn't.

Smile. It gives your face something to do.

People talk about dysfunctional families; I've never seen any other kind.