In life we're most hell-bent on proving things that we're not really sure are true.

Perhaps this is how you know you're doing the thing you're intended to: No matter how slow or how slight your progress, you never feel that it's a waste of time.

Probably I, like a lot of people, became a writer in imitation of or in homage to the books I enjoyed. When you're so captivated by something, you think, could I do that? Hmm, let me try

We all make mistakes, don't we? But if you can't forgive yourself, you'll always be an exile in your own life.

People who think my books are autobiographical, which they're not, credit me with having a much better memory than I do. I do, however, have a powerful imagination

I don't really have special rituals, but I don't try to write fiction unless I have a minimum of a few hours. For me, it takes a while to settle into a mode where I'm truly concentrating

We have to make mistakes, its how we learn compassion for others

I always worried someone would notice me, and then when no one did, I felt lonely.

Obviously the bar is much higher now for a behavior to be scandalous. Social media has really changed the way people live. It's not a new impulse; it's just being enacted in a new way.

I don't think it's shameful to admit that some days your time can be better spent reading than writing.

I have this theory that the likeability question comes up so much more with female characters created by female authors than it does with male characters and male authors

Letting go of the belief that we’re powerless to help relieve our own suffering enhances our ability not only to heal but also to genuinely love and receive the love of others.

Satisfaction doesn't come from needs and desires or fulfilling them, it comes from being yourself, being true.

With the increasing speed of business in today’s economy, transparency isn’t just desirable—it’s essential.

Then the movie started. It was in a foreign language and had subtitles, which was fun because I had never read a movie before.

As a mom I know that raising children is the hardest job there is.

I'm the last of the truly tacky women. I do trash with flash and sleaze with ease.

We are all more similar than we usually realize.

I don't have children, but I imagine if parents are really pushed on the subject, they probably have favorite children.

I decided that what I really wanted to do was to make my writing in history deeper, if that's the right word to use. And that is what I did.

Present fears are less than horrible imaginings.