It's easier to get over a lost body than a lost soul.

We have to rise above bad fortune. We have to be in the good and enjoy the good, study and work and adventure and friendship and community and love.

What makes most of us who we are most of all is not our minds and not our bodies and not what happens to us, but how we respond to what happens to us.

No matter how stark the reality, a human being fits it into a narrative that is palatable.

[O]ne can scarcely be frightened off writing what one wants to write for fear an obscure reviewer should patronise one on that account.

A positive attitude can take you to a lot of great places that a professional makeup can't. There is more to life than your physical appearance.

I need you like the day needs the night" -Quinn O'Shea

It was the responsibility of a senior fireman to teach as well as to do.

I'm having a great time. It's like I'm on some ridiculous big roller coaster not knowing what's happening next, but just having a great time on the ride.

There is a Japanese proverb that literally goes 'Raise the sail with your stronger hand', meaning you must go after the opportunities that arise in life that you are best equipped to do.

A theme in a lot of my books - and in my own life - is making choices that you feel you should make, or what society wants you to make, as opposed to what is truly right for you.

Because that's what Hermione does,' said Ron, shrugging. 'When in doubt, go to the library.

I find impressionists slightly annoying, really.

The bloom of Monticello is chilled by my solitude.