When we tell stories about things that are important - love, fear, beauty - we change the way people think about the world. Writers are, or should be, truth-tellers even when the stories themselves are fantasy.

Art inspires me. Looking at art in a museum, listening to music, reading the works of other writers.

I worry very much that people won't like it, or will think it's simply silly. But I have a post-it note above my desk that says "What would you do if you weren't afraid?" And if I weren't afraid, I would do a poetry collection.

The book itself [The Thorn and The Blossom] is bound accordion-style: it has no spine, so it can open in either direction, and it's in a slipcase.

Accept criticism. If you do not offer your work for criticism and accept that criticism, meaning give it serious thought and attention, then you will never improve.

I loved writing something I'd never written before, and I wanted to write not just about "true love" but also a human relationship.

I see so many talented writers who have difficulties with that. And if you don't believe it's important, you won't put in the work you need to.