“Writing is the starting point from which all goodness (and crappiness) flows.”

“The first good reason to write a book is to add value to people’s lives.”

“Do not write to impress others. Authors who write to impress people have difficulty remaining true to themselves. A better path is to write what pleases you and pray that there are others like you. Your first and most important reader is you. If you write a book that pleases you, at least you know one person will like it.”

“To me a book is a message from the gods to mankind; or, if not, should never be published at all.”

“If you want to make a good first impression, smile at people. What does it cost to smile? Nothing. What does it cost not to smile? Everything, if not smiling prevents you from enchanting people.”

“You’ll learn that the key to a great book is editing — grinding, buffing, and polishing — not writing.”

“Writing a book isn’t an easy process nor is it always enjoyable, but it is one of life’s most satisfying achievements.”