Indie writers who promote their book instead of writing the next book are wasting their time. The more books you've written, the more books you'll sell. That's how it works. That's how it's always worked.

Publicity doesn't work for books. It really doesn't. All it does is get your name in front of a reader who might then glance at your book. Or not.

I am so grateful, without sounding cheesy, to have such amazing friends with me and to have a career that's going so well.

If elected members of any body - whether it's a state house or Congress - were not willing to take career-ending or at least election-losing votes, I would not have the right to vote today.

It wasn't until later in my career that I really focused on the importance on making an entrance.

In not having an appointment at Harvard, I'm in the company of a great many people whose work I admire tremendously, in particular women of color.