Archetypes are universal, and, in subtle or extravagant ways, interchangeable.

Writing is writing, and stories are stories. Perhaps the only true genres are fiction and nonfiction. And even there, who can be sure?

The bitterness of joy lies in the knowledge that is cannot last. Nor should joy last beyond a certain season, for, after that season, even joy would become merely habit.

She looked, and a scarlet butterfly flew away from her, away down the length of the tower, and then another, another, an unraveling scarf of butterflies like winged blood.

We need the expressive arts, the ancient scribes, the storytellers, the priests.

The soul is a magician. Only living flesh hampers it.

When I am fascinated by something, I like to play with it.

I submitted manuscripts to publishers. This was not so much a feeling that I should be published as a wish to escape the feared and hated drudgery of normal work.

No one is ever ordinary.

Maidens who stay maidens turn into saints. Old women become sorceresses. Tough jobs, both of these.

I will draw you back to me. You shall see. By a chain of stars.

Right now, I had everything I could ask for. It wasn't a long list, but it was a very satisfying one, starting with the love of my life back in my arms.

Your life goal and mission is to find your gift, become what you have been created to be and with your gift serve mankind, promoting advancement and influencing humanity

One dream, will suffice a thousand nightmares.

The goal was never dependent on the route that took me there. It was always dependent on the heart that got me through whatever route opened itself up to my efforts.

The sky of the color of ashes in the east and embers in the west.

The mountain decides whether you climb or not. The art of mountaineering is knowing when to go, when to stay, and when to retreat.

If you can't find your inspiration by walking around the block one time, go around two times-but never three.

There have been others also just as true and devoted to the cause--I wish I could name every one--but with such women consecratingtheir lives, failure is impossible!

I don't trust white critics' judgment about most things that deal with black life, particularly when a black person is the creator.

The less you want, the richer you are. The more you need in order to be happy, the more miserable you’ll be.