I always hated my mole growing up. I even thought about having it removed. At the time I didn't do it because I thought it would hurt, and now I'm glad I didn't.

My goal is to spread the word about the need for more blood donors.

I think I have enough tattoos for now. If I get any others, I'll probably do my kids initials.

I always think about which blood drive was going on in Georgia that day when that husband or mom or school teacher rolled up their sleeve and actually gave me a second chance at life. It's the ultimate gift of life, and I'm the one who was on the other end.

In the middle of the journey of our life I came to myself within a dark wood where the straight way was lost.

I had achieved the most important things in my life when I married Joan and had the sons. Given the choice between Joan and the boys, and being a writer, I world give up being a writer without a blink.

It is a truth universally acknowledged that as soon as one part of your life starts looking up, another falls to pieces.

I was in this sheltered little environment where, basically, all my high school experience was in 'Life Goes On,' and everyone told me where to go, what to do, how to think - I never had to do anything for myself.