Dakoda

“Growing up, having the world divided into thou shalls and thou shalt nots by Pops or IBLP ideology made life appear easier. I had grown up believing that if I just followed the rules, I would be okay.”
― Jill Duggar, Counting the Cost

“Creativity isn't just about making art. Making your life is the ultimate creative act. I believe creativity is contagious, and when we put some of that into the world, it gets passed from person to person… I hope you're here because you know that embracing creativity will help you live a richer, more fulfilling, more connected life.”
― Maggie Smith, Dear Writer: Pep Talks and Practical Advice for the Creative Life

“When I'm writing, or settling in to write, I have a far-off look. I know this because my friend Wendy captured it in a photograph. In the picture, I'm sitting on a train somewhere in Montana, holding a pen, a notebook in my lap. I'm looking out the window, but there doesn't need to be a window. I'm not looking, I'm listening. I can see it in my face, how closely I'm listening for the voice of the mind. Of my mind.”
― Maggie Smith, Dear Writer: Pep Talks and Practical Advice for the Creative Life

“You want to know why I'm crying?" My voice was cracked, my eyes burning. "It's that you think I'm some kind of horrible person just because I wear pants and have a nose ring, and yet you see that girl outside and praise her. That's why I'm crying, Daddy. I'm evolving and changing, just like that girl out there, but you can't see it. You treat me like I'm a prodigal who's turned her back on you. You treat me worse than you treat my pedophile brother."
Pops looked stunned. "Well...," he stammered. I wondered whether he was about to agree with me, to confirm that in his mind my sins of disobedience really were as bad as what Josh had been doing.”
― Jill Duggar, Counting the Cost