Outside of family, writing is essential. To me, it's like breathing.

Anyone who has problems, or worries, anyone who laughs and cries, anyone who feels can write. It's only talking on paper... talking about the things that matter to us.

I loved teaching. It was my world. I only left because I was overwhelmed with three careers - teaching, writing, and my family.

Revision is the heart of writing. Every page I do is done over seven or eight times.

To me, family is everything. I want children to realize how important their families are and what a support system a family is.

Everything in my life affects my writing. There are no separate parts of my life.

Many times in my life I've been upset about something and said to myself, "Will this matter in two years?" Not even in two months.

I myself was terrified during the Second World War. The war started when I was six, and I was so sure that we were going to be bombed and killed. My imagination is my biggest plus and my worst minus.

I have no special talent, you know. I never took a writing course before I began to write.

I cannot outline. I do not know what the next thing is going to happen in the book until it comes out of my fingers.

All of my books are based in some way on my personal experiences, or the experiences of members of my family, or the stories kids would tell me in school.

The past has come apart events are vagueingthe future is inexploitable

I have nothing to hide except for the fact i'm broken inside.

There is no sanctity. This is the downfall of innocence.

Computers intimidate me.

Stop fearing being attacked.

The woman is the reflection of her man

I deeply believe in one's own positive will to overcome even the most daunting challenges.

I wish my real life could be as simple and scripted as it is on television.

We don't beat the Reaper by living longer. We beat the Reaper by living well.

The beauty of America is that the average person always thinks she is above average.