I think I write what's interesting to me, and so if I'm reading I like to have a very thorough idea of a character in a book that's by someone else.

Perhaps this is how you know you're doing the thing you're intended to: No matter how slow or how slight your progress, you never feel that it's a waste of time.

Probably I, like a lot of people, became a writer in imitation of or in homage to the books I enjoyed. When you're so captivated by something, you think, could I do that? Hmm, let me try

We all make mistakes, don't we? But if you can't forgive yourself, you'll always be an exile in your own life.

People who think my books are autobiographical, which they're not, credit me with having a much better memory than I do. I do, however, have a powerful imagination

I don't really have special rituals, but I don't try to write fiction unless I have a minimum of a few hours. For me, it takes a while to settle into a mode where I'm truly concentrating

We have to make mistakes, its how we learn compassion for others

I always worried someone would notice me, and then when no one did, I felt lonely.

Obviously the bar is much higher now for a behavior to be scandalous. Social media has really changed the way people live. It's not a new impulse; it's just being enacted in a new way.

I don't think it's shameful to admit that some days your time can be better spent reading than writing.

I have this theory that the likeability question comes up so much more with female characters created by female authors than it does with male characters and male authors

Starting the day - Another chance to be new again.How many of us still wish for that?To be your own sunrise.To awaken like a prayer - both solemn and joyful at still being alive.

She is brave and strong and broken all at once. As she speaks it is as if her existence is no longer real to her in itself, more like a living epitaph to a life that was.

For ten thousand dollars, I'd endorse an opium pipe.

In the material world, where everything is valued, when you commit yourself to God, beauty and love, it can be mistaken for extravagance.

Change, create, inspire. Dreams really do work.

I don't reflect much, unless I'm talking to the media. I have more of a "Forward, march!" kind of attitude.

One of your biggest lessons so far in life has been to learn to forgive myself over and over again and not to be so harsh with myself.

So, a lot of my supporters back home are members of the Tea Party.

The temple endowment was given by revelation. Thus, it is best understood by revelation, prayerfully sought with a sincere heart.

I'm working on this fashion line that's all inspired by Vietnam. I'm Vietnamese so a lot of the clothes are inspired by Vietnamese culture, and I'm trying to mix that with the streetwear style.