Buddhism is really, one of its main practices is understanding and experiencing compassion, and how that ultimately is a road to happiness.

I've been practicing Buddhism for a while. So, I call myself a Jew-Bu, because my tribe is still Jew. But my philosophy and my practice is really Buddhist.

So curiosity, I think, is a really important aspect of staying young or youthful.

A body smiles, like, 72 times a day. Where does that smile go? That's what I want to know.

My books are love stories at core, really. But I am interested in manifestations of love beyond the traditional romantic notion. In fact, I seem not particularly inclined to write romantic love as a narrative motive or as an easy source of happiness for my characters.

I have learned that grief is a vital part of my heart and accept it as a gift that exists alongside joy.

Definitely, people laugh a lot on the set. The actor always feels bad about laughing during a take. But I love it. It means you are having a good time and you are enjoying yourself. There is nothing wrong with laughter.

The mere existence of 'Buffy' proves the declinists wrong about one thing: Hollywood commercialism can produce great art. Complex and evolving characters. Playful language. Joy and sorrow, pathos and elation. Episodes that dare to be different - to tell stories in silence or in song. Big themes and terrible choices.