The story's what matters; spelling's overrated.

... every writer I had ever known wrote his best work when he had his back up against the wall and thought he would never write another word.

I have the same fantasy every time I read a book I love, no matter who wrote it, no matter when it was written. That the author has written his book only for me.

...every writer I had ever known wrote his best work when he had his back up against the wall and thought he would never write another word.

And yet, wasn't the terrific thing about stories the fact that they joined readers together, that they made people realize they were not alone in their hopes, dreams, and fears?

Isn’t that why all writers write? To inspire their readers?

Every criminal would be an artist if he had the talent, and every artist would become a criminal if he had the guts.

Sometimes in fiction you had to mute reality in order to make it seem more believable.

...there was a certain comfort in surrender.

Aurora looked into the mirror and smiled. She was pretty. She was a royal princess. There was about to be a ball. These were things she could, once in a while, allow herself to be happy about.

But even then I knew it wasn’t me that saved her life. It wasn’t about me. I was just there while she was maybe going to die and maybe not, and then she just didn’t.

I adore extravagance but I abhor waste.

Perhaps we underestimated the challenges in Afghanistan in the past. That's why we are now strengthening and intensifying our commitment.

Meditation is a simple yet powerful tool that takes us to a state of profound relaxation that dissolves fatigue and the accumulated stress that accelerates the aging process.

Have you ever lived in the suburbs? It's sterile. It's nothing. It's wasting your life.

A supreme love, a motive that gives a sublime rhythm to a woman's life, and exalts habit into partnership with the soul's highest needs, is not to be had where and how she wills.

I want to reach as many people as possible with the message of music, of wonderful opera.

Sow good services: sweet remembrances will grow from them.

Remember gentleman, it's not just France we're fighting for, it's Champagne!