The thing that makes you exceptional, if you are at all, is inevitably that which must also make you lonely.

I write for young girls of color, for girls who don't even exist yet, so that there is something there for them when they arrive. I can only change how they live, not how they think.

Whatever we believe about ourselves and our ability comes true for us.

Everyone shines, given the right lighting.

We need to reshape our own perception of how we view ourselves. We have to step up as women and take the lead.

I started life with two great advantages: no money, and good parents.