I'm always determined that as a novelist I'm going to go out there and research my characters very thoroughly before I start writing.

So when I say that I am a refugee, you must understand that there is no refuge.

A scar is never ugly. That is what the scar makers want us to think. A scar does not form on the dying. A scar means, I survived.

Looking after a very sick child was the Olympics of parenting.

A scar does not form on the dying. A scar means, I survived.

At some point you just have to turn around and face your life head on.

Our own personal brand of courage - in relationships, in conflict, in our principles ­ - is as unique as our fingerprints.

I’m telling you, trouble is like the ocean. It covers two thirds of the world.

I could not stop talking because now I had started my story, it wanted to be finished. We cannot choose where to start and stop. Our stories are the tellers of us.

We must see all scars as beauty. Okay? This will be our secret. Because take it from me, a scar does not form on the dying. A scar means, 'I survived'.

It is certainly impossible to imagine forgiving the enemy while their animus remains undefeated.

In August of 2002, I survived a car accident. Although I can still see the van speeding toward us, I cannot bring to mind the crash itself - only its aftermath.

People are always fighting reality until it's pushed down their throats.

I never believed in Santa Claus because I knew no white dude would come into my neighborhood after dark.

My wife is my favorite actress. Without question. I have seen more jaws drop in little theaters when people see my wife up on that stage than you can imagine.

Anybody who enjoys being in the House of Commons probably needs psychiatric help.

What we have learned from other becomes our own reflection.

It is all right to hold a conversation but you should let go of it now and then.

You know what the average person is? Average.

If you want to surf, move to Hawaii. If you like to shop, move to New York. If you like acting and Hollywood, move to California. But if you like college football, move to Texas.

It's not about being a head coach, I'd rather be a DC at Auburn and win championships.