Tweeting has taught me the discipline to say more with fewer words.
Being a magician taught me how powerful the element of surprise can be. In each book, I've tried to work that in - an unexpected twist in a story that reveals an insight, a counter intuitive study that turns your beliefs upside-down.
I'm a self-taught guitarist, but I have a classical music background.
Since an early age I was taught to be very politically aware and knew from childhood that the process was something I wanted to contribute towards if I could.
Being gay is not something that defines me. What defines me is what my mom always taught me: to treat everyone with respect, to always be a hard worker, and to be kind.
My mom always taught me to stand up for what I believe in.
My father wasn't perfect. He had a temper. I took some of that. He would snap, but the older he got, he started calming down. He learned about life, but the thing that he taught my whole family was that family was the most important thing and, no matter what, if a family member needs you, you go and help them out; you get there.