Emily Giffin

I think exercise is critical to my writing and an essential way to recharge. ”

I find flawed characters much more interesting than perfect ones and enjoy the challenge of making readers root for them in spite of their unsympathetic path and destructive choices. ”

I have increasingly steeled myself to criticism, but it still can sting, especially when you feel that it is unfair - or that they are judging my book by its cover or by preconceived notions. ”

The best thing about being an author is writing stories and having people - strangers all over the world - connect with them. ”

I did read all my old diaries and was quite surprised by the overwhelming melancholic tone. I remember things being rosier than they really were. ”

Like the rest of the planet, I'm absolutely dying to see Baz Luhrmann's 'The Great Gatsby' and am thrilled that Leonardo DiCaprio was cast in it - he's perfect. ”

To write convincingly, I think you must be able to relate, in some way, to what a character is experiencing. ”

I think it's important to try to be present with whatever it is you're doing. And if you can't be present, take a break. ”

I've always been intrigued by the power of secrets. When is it justifiable to keep them from the ones we love? And does keeping them irrevocably change who we are? ”

I write about messy relationships, and they put pastel covers on them, but I can't complain. ”