It costs nothing to smile. Do it as often as possible

If someone tells you something cannot be done; it's just their way of saying they cannot do it

It's not what you say, but what you do that defines your individuality

Those who start later, tend to achieve greater

Contrary to most people’s beliefs, music is in me, forever. I can recall it at any moment with utter precision.

I've been writing all my life. Even though I didn't have sort of careerist aspirations as a writer, it was very much my identity.

I've had tinnitus for about ten years, and since I started protecting my ears it hasn't got any worse - touch wood.

I am inspired by many people. First and foremost, I'm inspired by my mother. She definitely helped her children to feel unconditional love and I want to be that same kind of mother.

To lose your temper is only useful once a year.

When the mind sees itself in the mirror of relationship, from that perception there is self-knowledge.

All writing is dreaming

All men are afraid of eyelash curlers. They don't understand them, and they don't want to get near them. I sleep with one under my pillow, instead of a gun.

People make jokes about how black people are the first ones to be killed off.

When I spoke at the 2012 Contemporary Women Writers' Conference in Taipei, I thought it offered an appropriate moment and site to announce my new manifesto10 and profession - to be a writer.

Receive every day as a resurrection from death, as a new enjoyment of life.