I don't let negative criticism, for the most part, bother me.

I'm the only one who can stop me.. I'm the one who's been sitting at the stoplight all these years, waiting for the light to turn green.

Writing is my shelter. I don't hide behind the words; I use them to dig inside my heart to find the truth.

If you jump to conclusions, you make terrible landings.

Pay attention to the things that agitate you. It will tell you a lot about yourself.

It's amazing how we can make ourselves believe what we want to.

People like to run their mouths.

Writing is the only place I can be myself and not feel judged.

Few writers are willing to admit writing is autobiographical.

As a writer, you get to bring attention to something without preaching. I don't believe in being didactic. So if you dramatize something, you automatically bring attention to it if people read it.

I'm more interested in interpersonal relationships - between lovers families, siblings. That's why I write about how we treat each other.

Happiness is there when your dreams, hopes, and desires are compatible with your actions.

And then, there will be some black men who can remember that, with silent tongue, and clenched teeth, and steady eye, and well-poised bayonnet, they have helped mankind on to this great consummation.

Sometimes I even amaze myself, and sometimes I do things that make me want to punch myself in the face.

While rose-buds scarcely show'd their hue, But coyly linger'd on the thorn.

I deem as heroic those who have the harder task, face it unflinchingly and live. In this world women do that.

US worse off than before Saddam because US lost credibility.

Art is about eliminating almost everything in order to focus on the thing that you need to talk about.

He taught people with his best way. He showed his beauty. He was all good so peace be on him and his family.

Working on the 'Ice Age' movies, I'm really proud to be in them.

If I'm going to show cleavage or chest then I don't show leg. I show one thing. If I show leg then everything else is covered up.