The turning point was when I hit my 30th birthday. I thought, if really want to write, it's time to start. I picked up the book How to Write a Novel in 90 Days. The author said to just write three pages a day, and I figured, I can do this. I never got past Page 3 of that book.

You can't wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club.

I know not age, nor weariness nor defeat.

Without hard work, nothing grows but weeds.

There is progress whether ye are going forward or backward! The thing is to move!

Do not wait to strike till the iron is hot; but make it hot by striking.

Be miserable. Or motivate yourself. Whatever has to be done, it's always your choice.

If you want to conquer fear, don't sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy.

I'm thrilled to continue my partnership with U by Kotex for Generation Know while helping to empower girls. I've always been a motivational resource for my younger sisters and hope I can positively impact and inspire other young girls too.

The Village Voice gave me an outlet. They encouraged writers to publish idiosyncratic, intellectually ambitious journalism in voices that ranged from demonic to highfalutin. And they paid me well once the magazine was unionized. Getting paid is motivational.