Never think of revising as fixing something that is wrong. That starts you off in a negative frame of mind. Rather think of it as an opportunity to improve something you already love.

It is the nature of stories to leave out far more than they include.

Writing the opening lines of a story is a bit like starting to ski at the steepest part of a hill. You must have all your skills under control from the first instant.

It is curious how believable I can be when I criticize myself, how unconvincing when I give myself praise.

Where do storytellers find the wisdom to discover their own stories? From no place more mysterious than their own hearts.

Description needs to slide into a story like a snake through grass - silently, almost invisibly, without calling attention to itself. It should enrich every story moment without slowing the action.

another word for talent is obsession.

when you are dealing with art, any kind of art, your pleasure in making it is what matters most.

I was an adult before I began to learn that there is a difference between a conversation and an argument.

my experience as a fiction writer tells me that the deeper I look into myself, the more universal is the experience I find there.

Human beings are storytelling animals. That's what separates us from other creatures, not just having thumbs or using tools.

By being beautiful and kind you are given favored status and opportunity in life.

I want you to say it, so I know you'll never forget. I want to hear you say my name.

The pride of the digital age is not just in the possession of innovative tools but the ability to skillfully connect with humans behind them

History isn't just the story of bad people doing bad things. It's quite as much a story of people trying to do good things. But somehow, something goes wrong.

I got so much love for classical music and I hear so much incredible music.You should know a bunch of music and have respect for all sorts of genres and styles of music.

If it were not for poetry, few men would ever fall in love.

Man has tried his suicide with bigotry and hate, but in the end he'll kill himself with nothing but his waste.

Six percent, 5 percent of our GDP for him [Vladimir Putin] to match us, he has to spend 25 percent of his GDP and it will bankrupt his country.

What is madness but nobility of soul at odds with circumstance?

Only when the masses are reassured, can the country be at peace. Only when the country is at peace, can the leaders be relieved.