I exaggerated even before I began to exaggerate, because it's true — nothing is ever quite as bad as it could be.

Just because you have stopped sinking doesn't mean you're not still underwater.

We can only die in the future, I thought; right now we are always alive.

Sometimes a flat-footed sentence is what serves, so you don't get all writerly: 'He opened the door.' There, it's open.

They say the smart dog obeys but the smarter dog knows when to disobey.

Good leaders being scarce, following yourself is allowed.

Wear your heart on the page, and people will read to find out how you solved being alive.

In my head there's a broken balcony I fall off of when I speak.

if it's true your life flashes past your eyes before you die, then it is also the truth that your life rushes forth when you are ready to start to truly be alive.

I sleep with a glass of water on the nightstand so I can see by its level if the coastal earth is trembling or if the shaking is still me.

I want to know everything about you, so I tell you everything about myself.

Our choices are going to determine the future for our children, our children's children, and their children. I take that responsibility very seriously.

Style is anti-fashion; it's not about following trends.

You only get a chance to live your dream once, and I'm living mine right now.

Literature is man's exploration of man by artificial light, which is better than natural light because we can direct it where we want.

All are called to be what in the reality of God they are already.

It's so hard for every young person, trying to figure out the adult you want to be.

Every cure of obesity must begin with these three essential precepts:discretion in eating, moderation in sleeping, and exercise.

I'm not aiming for a knockout. I focus on doing my best. If the knockout comes, fine. If not, that's okay.

Audiences in London called me the girl with the black cherry eyes.

The dispersing and scattering our names into many mouths, we call making them more great.