Why write tearjerkers just because they get you better reviews? You know what you have to do to win an Oscar these days? Play a character who’s lost an arm, or a leg, or a mother, or a father, or preferably all of the above. Make it miserable and squalid and base, so people will cry their eyes out and call you a genius, but if you inspire people or make them laugh? You’re not even under consideration when awards season rolls around. I’m sick of this cultural hegemony of depression.

If I were going to read one of your books, which one would you recommend?” “I’d recommend one by another author.

Cuceririle amoroase sunt cele mai egoiste dintre cruciade.

Just because somebody is gone doesn’t mean they don’t exist anymore – with a little imagination, you’re never alone.

Your future depends on your choices, on your will. It belongs to you.

Nous ne nous battons pas pour mourrir, mais pour la vie.

The flames are burning, you may not see them, but they’re ruining your nights. Stop hiding in that broom closet and face your fears.

Novels should reflect reality to some extent, otherwise they risk being sentimental.

Boys like to fight, and of course, it’s in their nature. But as they grow up and their vocabulary expands, they will find the right words to express themselves and the violence will subside. Brutality is just the result of frustration, the incapacity to express oneself in words. Without words, people often resort to fists.

I think one person’s courage can defeat the complacency of a thousand others.