I was always fascinated by science-fiction shows, shows like 'Star Trek' and 'Lost in Space.'

Fortunately, I got called down to NASA for an interview. And one thing led to the next, and one day I got that call. I've been here about seven years now and am really enjoying it.

When you launch in a rocket, you're not really flying that rocket. You're just sort of hanging on.

It looks like the future's really bright.

Like most kids growing up, I had a very wide interest. I was interested in everything. I tried to take advantage of everything, from the sciences to music to writing to literature.

Science was something that really caught my attention. It was something I really could sink my teeth into.

The best life for a writer is the life which helps him write the best books he can.

I write because, if I don't, my characters will murder me in my sleep.

Sometimes you climb out of bed in the morning and you think, I'm not going to make it, but you laugh inside — remembering all the times you've felt that way.

The trouble with a great sadness is that it doesn't fit inside your body.

Don't hold onto things, it will only bring you pain.

Travel works best when you're forced to come to terms with the place you're in.

Interpreting anyone's marriage - a neighbor's, let alone the president's - is extremely difficult.

The big thing is to make a winning effort. Im not obsessed with wins.

You know your path, child, now follow it.

The baboon is driving,” I noted. “Should I be worried?