Wherever my story takes me, however dark and difficult the theme, there is always some hope and redemption, not because readers like happy endings, but because I am an optimist at heart.

Stories make you think and dream; books make you want to ask questions.

Read a lot - poems, prose, stories, newspapers, anything. Read books and poems that you think you will like and some that you think might not be for you. You might be surprised.

There's a nobility in his eye, a regal serenity about him. Does he not personify all that men try to be and never can be?

It's the teacher that makes the difference, not the classroom.

Don't worry about writing a book or getting famous or making money. Just lead an interesting life.

Always write your ideas down however silly or trivial they might seem. Keep a notebook with you at all times.

Animals are sentient, intelligent, perceptive, funny and entertaining. We owe them a duty of care as we do to children.

Live an interesting life. Meet people. Read a lot and widely, learn from the great writers

Encouraging young people to believe in themselves and find their own voice whether it's through writing, drama or art is so important in giving young people a sense of self-worth.

Being his real brother I could feel I live in his shadows, but I never have and I do not now. I live in his glow.

Between world and animal are fewer questions than between man and world. How many such questions are there in God's Word?

Enemies are the people who think about you more than your friends do.

I will absolutely say that whatever job I was asked to do, whatever schedule I was asked to work, it is never going to be as hard as looking after a child.

I have never seen a player as driven and determined as me, quietly determined; that's why I always want to do the best.

Musicians more than most people are in the moment. That's the dual nature of that job.

The VCR is to the American film producer, as the Boston Strangler is to the woman home alone.

It is important that we know and hear God's voice, for the words of God reveal the will of God.

When I asked you if you wanted to, I was not testing your courage. I was testing your wisdom.

Self-esteem is the basis for feminism because self-esteem is based on defining yourself and believing in that definition. Self-esteem is regarding yourself as a grown-up.

What, in the devil's name, is the use of respectability, with never so many gigs and silver spoons, if thou inwardly art the pitifulness of all men?