I focus on the writing and let the rest of the process take care of itself. I've learned to trust my own instincts and I've also learned to take risks.

Train yourself to listen to that small voice that tells us what's important and what's not.

I've never written about my husband, Steve, or any of my children because I know them all too well. I see them in all their complexities which makes them impossible to render on the printed page.

Writing isn't about the destination-writing is the journey that transforms the soul and gives meaning to all else.

My job as the writer is to fool you. Your job as the reader is to see if you can catch me at it.

When all else fails, cleaning house is the perfect antidote to most of life's ills.

There are days when none of us can bear it, but the good comes around again. Happiness is seasonal, like anything else. Wait it out. There are people who love you. People who can help.