Writing is a miracle. You can travel anywhere in the world, to any time and any place — and still be home in time to have dinner.

I love teaching. It's a job that lasts forever. Whatever you teach children today travels with them far into the future.

I have to keep facing the darkness. If I stand tall and face the thing I fear, I have a chance to conquer it. If I just keep dodging and hiding it will conquer me.

Reading is the basic springboard for learning. And books provide the liftoff. They are the great equalizer, opening up new worlds to everyone.

Then everything was still. Absolutely still.

There is no water and still less soap. We have no city, but lots of hope.

The historical novel gives us perspective on our modern lives and helps us connect with the story, which we are continuing ourselves.

I believe we're entering a new era, where dynamic female leaders will have an opportunity to bring greater harmony and peace to the planet.

Artists have to believe in the merit of their own work and persevere whether they receive public recognition or not, but it's ever so nice when someone says, "Job well done"!

I think it might be nice if there was a Cosimo de' Medici around today, offering commissions to the poor, but talented artists.

set sail on a voyage of your own titanic facts

It's the oldest story in the world. One day you're 17 planning for someday and then quietly, without you ever noticing, someday today. And then someday yesterday. And this is your life.

If I can't dance then I'd rather be dead.

Success is something you attract by the person you become. If you want to have more, you must become more.

Be of good cheer, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole.

Marriage is wild. I thought it was this perfect land of happiness and joy. Wrong! After you say you do, you don't for a long time.

For too many, to work means having less income.

Patriotism is a joke in the UK.

Leaders should leave behind them assets and a legacy.

The best cure for sadness is doing something.

In a world of increasing grey areas, we are becoming more and more entrenched in black and white positions.