Everything we do, I'd imagine, influences everything we will do.

Perhaps everyone has a story that could break your heart.

On a good day I write, all day.

By the time I'm nine I know the world is a dangerous place. I've heard whispers about razorblades in apples, about Charlie Manson and his family. But no one is offering any clear information.

There are many ways to drown, only the most obvious wave their arms as they're going under.

Certain stories we carry with us, events in our life, they define who we are. It's not a matter of getting over anything; we have to make the best of it.

Writers, especially poets, are particularly prone to madness.

I can weep pretty easily. I can get tears in my eyes from a beautiful work of art.

If you're going to write about someone's life, you don't just use them for wallpaper. You have to honor and respect that life.

Alcohol is the river we sit on the banks of, contemplating. Sometimes we watch ourselves float past, sometimes we watch ourselves sink.

Who doesn't want to just disappear, at some point in the day, in a year, to just step off the map and float?

If you cannot get rid of the family skeleton, you may as well make it dance.

The most difficult and complicated part of the writing process is the beginning.

I think it's a healthy thing for the Democratic Party to go through some reflection.

Since I became a favorite in every race, it's just another burden that I have to bear.

You are an uncut gemstone of priceless value. Cut and polish your potential with knowledge, skills and service and you will be in great demand throughout your life.

I've done so many movies that when I see them I don't really watch them.

No department or locality may, or will be allowed to, interfere in the affairs which should be administered by [the SAR] on its own.

Freedom from something is not freedom.

I think when you have a good warm up you feel good about your performance. You know that you've trained so mentally you're in a better state.

One who has sinned cannot escape retribution in any other way than by repentance corresponding to his sin.