I suppose that it's my impulse to mine, as a writer, these scary parts of ourselves and the world.

All crises, once averted, become jokes.

At Ucross I learned that I am capable of focusing deeply for long periods of time. I love to write. I don't think I would have said that before this trip.

The issue is that my book, and so many others, are not available for pre-order from Amazon. I hadn't realized how much that mattered for new authors. And how much Amazon is hurting us.

I think that sharpens the intention of a scene and clarifies a story's arc. Of course, I don't seek the questions until after I've written a scene - or maybe after I've daydreamed it.

I tossed off a mention of the pirates early on. And they became integral to the backstory. Sometimes now I imagine them in the woods. They scare me. All men. Dirty and wearing red.

I am glad it's [California novel] resonated with people because, for me, most apocalyptic novels aren't scary, because they feel so very far off.

Men were stupid to forget what good sleuths women could be.

I'm married. And pregnant.

I have a darker imagination than most people.

Every kind of relationship needs encouragement from both parties. Be it marriage, dating, friendship, enmity etc.

Acorns are planted silently by some unnoticed breeze.

If I can create the minimum of my plans and desires there shall be no regrets.

Life is a glorious opportunity, if it is used to condition us for eternity. If we fail in this, though we succeed in everything else, our life will have been a failure.

I tend to stay out of the public eye a little, compared to some of my peers.

The Holy Ghost has called me by the gospel and illuminated me with his gifts and sanctified and preserved me in the true faith.

Every time I reach a new audience, that means I'm doing something right.

There are no rules when it comes to love. I just try to let love surprise me because you never know who you’re going to fall in love with.

If we follow the example of Jesus Christ and become true peacemakers, that flood of love will cover the earth as with a blanket.

Do not save what is left after spending, but spend what is left after saving.