I love Topsail Island, which my grandparents helped settle in 1950, despite the racial tensions. I wanted to immortalize my deep connection to this special island forever.

My pets are very supportive, as they curl up in their beds underneath my desk.

The classical music is soothing and stimulating, good for thinking.

When I get stuck, I take a long walk outside or go to a movie. I get out of my own way so I can hear the quiet voices that hold all of the answers that connect the dots.

In my spare time, I paint, garden, hike and enjoy massages for my weary writer's back.

We cannot possibly let ourselves get frozen into regarding everyone we do not know as an absolute stranger.

Nobody Black had learned anything from the 'Letter from the Birmingham Jail' or from the 'I Have a Dream' speech. That was a revelation of white people.

I don't necessarily believe in the ideology of cinema verité. I think by the very fact that you have a camera there you are affecting the story and you are influencing it.

I was a total bad girl growing up.

A life of kindness is the primary meaning of divine worship.

Christian Science … is the direct denial both of science and of Christianity, for Science rests wholly on the recognition of truth and Christianity on the recognition of pain.

You work that you may keep peace with the earth and the soul of the earth.

I swear to God, if I get shot again, Indigo will strangle me.

Things you did. Things you never did. Things you dreamed. After a long time they run together.

Dispose thyself to patience rather than to comfort, and to the bearing of the cross rather than to gladness.