Sara Shepard Quotes

Powerful Sara Shepard for Daily Growth

About Sara Shepard

Sara Shepard is an American novelist, renowned for her captivating young adult fiction, particularly the bestselling series "Pretty Little Liars" which was later adapted into a popular television show. Born on February 29, 1980, in Chicago, Illinois, Shepard grew up in Glen Ellyn and Milwaukee before moving to New York City to pursue her dreams of becoming a writer. Shepard's love for storytelling was nurtured from an early age by her parents, who encouraged her creativity. Shepard earned a bachelor's degree in English and American literature from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, further honing her writing skills. In 2005, Shepard published "The Lying Game," the first book in the series that would later become "Pretty Little Liars." The series centers around four girls whose friend disappears under mysterious circumstances, and who are subsequently tormented by an anonymous blackmailer. The books were praised for their gripping plotlines, complex characters, and intricate storytelling. Following the success of "Pretty Little Liars," Shepard went on to write several other successful series, including "The Perfectionists" and "Allie's Song." Her works often explore themes of friendship, family dynamics, and moral ambiguity, reflecting her keen understanding of human nature. Shepard continues to live in New York City with her husband and daughter, where she writes full-time. Her impact on the young adult literary landscape is significant, having created a genre of mystery and suspense that appeals to both teenagers and adults alike.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Life is full of surprises. And sometimes they're the best things that ever happen to you."

The Sara Shepard quote highlights the unpredictable yet enriching nature of life. It suggests that even when life takes unexpected turns, these moments often turn out to be the most rewarding experiences we encounter. Embracing the unforeseen twists and turns in our journey can lead us to discover hidden treasures that add depth and richness to our lives.


"Because love isn't just about being happy together all the time. It's about loving each other through the hard times too."

This quote by Sara Shepard emphasizes that true love encompasses both the joyous moments and the difficult ones. Love is not solely defined by shared happiness, but by standing steadfast during adversity and offering support to one another in tough times. It's a testament to the depth and resilience of a bond built on mutual understanding and unwavering commitment.


"No matter how strong we think we are, there will always be moments when we need someone to lean on."

This quote emphasizes that despite our perceived strength and resilience, everyone experiences vulnerable moments in life. It underscores the importance of human connection and mutual support, reminding us that leaning on others during difficult times is a natural, universal need - not a sign of weakness.


"Sometimes we don't see love coming because it's wearing a mask."

This quote suggests that love may not always present itself in an obvious or expected way. Love, like a disguised character, can hide behind various masks such as friendship, admiration, or even indifference. It's easy to miss the signs when we are conditioned to expect grand gestures or dramatic displays of affection, rather than the subtle cues that love may present in its disguise.


"The heart wants what it wants, and the heart is very hard to fool."

Sara Shepard's quote suggests that our desires are deeply rooted within us and often difficult to manipulate or conceal. It implies that our hearts (emotions, instincts, feelings) have a powerful influence over our wants and needs, driving us towards what we truly desire, regardless of external factors or attempts at deception.


I kept a journal when I was a teenager, so I definitely look back on those to see how I dealt with friends and cliques and getting picked on, or boyfriend breakups.

- Sara Shepard

Back, Boyfriend, Kept, Cliques

I do a lot of revising on paper. Sometimes I think I should just write longhand - what I type reads very different once I print it out.

- Sara Shepard

Think, I Think, Very, Revising

I know these are going to sound like school reading-list suggestions, but if you like dystopian fiction, you should check out some of the originals: 'Anthem,' by Ayn Rand; '1984,' by George Orwell; or 'Brave New World,' by Aldous Huxley.

- Sara Shepard

Some, Fiction, Anthem, None

I've written short stories from male perspectives before, and I've never had a problem with it as long as I've understood the character's emotions and motivations.

- Sara Shepard

Emotions, Before, Stories, Perspectives

For me, writing for younger audiences and writing for adults uses two different halves of my brain.

- Sara Shepard

Writing, Me, Younger, Halves

I was not tormented in any way; I was never even bullied. I had a nice teenage life.

- Sara Shepard

Never, Tormented, Even, Bullied

Seeing 'Pretty Little Liars' fans adapt and create their own stories is both exciting and flattering, and I think what Amazon Publishing is offering through Kindle Worlds is a great way to reward their ingenuity.

- Sara Shepard

Through, I Think, Worlds, Ingenuity

I do a lot of brainstorming with my editors.

- Sara Shepard

Lot, Editors

I probably write best in my office, which is an extra bedroom in my house.

- Sara Shepard

Best, Extra, Which, Bedroom

Secrets are very intriguing - I always think that's an interesting theme.

- Sara Shepard

Think, Always, Very, Intriguing

I loved the movie 'Heathers' and the TV show 'Twin Peaks.'

- Sara Shepard

Loved, Movie, TV, Peaks

I really like reading about how families work together.

- Sara Shepard

Work, How, Like, Work Together

I find coming up with a title the hardest part of writing a novel.

- Sara Shepard

Writing, Find, Part, Hardest Part

I am a big outliner. For my adult book, 'The Visibles,' I did not outline, and it took me two years to write because I just didn't outline, and I had no path.

- Sara Shepard

Book, Big, Took, Outline

My family often travels to New York City during the holidays, and that's always a good time.

- Sara Shepard

City, New, Always, Good Time

I've read a lot of fiction from writers just starting out, and the dialogue is a little bit forced, or it's almost too teenager-y, or too slang-y or putting too much technology or trends in there. I try to stay pretty trend-neutral. I try not to mention too many current bands or current TV shows.

- Sara Shepard

Fiction, TV, Putting, Trends

My sister and I visited Iceland in 2001, and I incorporated it into 'Pretty Little Liars.'

- Sara Shepard

Liars, Pretty, Incorporated, Visited

If my characters travel somewhere, I generally write about a place I know to give the scenes more authenticity.

- Sara Shepard

Give, Authenticity, More, Scenes

Judy Blume especially sort of broke the boundaries of what is appropriate and what should be written about - what teenagers are actually doing.

- Sara Shepard

Doing, Broke, Appropriate, Judy

I love books about dysfunctional families.

- Sara Shepard

Love, Books, I Love, Dysfunctional

'The Glass Castle' by Jeannette Walls is the quintessential dysfunctional family.

- Sara Shepard

Walls, Glass, Quintessential, Dysfunctional

I think I'll stick with psychological thrillers.

- Sara Shepard

Think, Stick, I Think, Thrillers

I did steal socks, but I got caught... don't shoplift, anyone - don't do it! You're just gonna get caught.

- Sara Shepard

Caught, Steal, Gonna, Socks

I primarily read fiction, and I read a good many wonderful books while writing 'The Visibles.'

- Sara Shepard

Fiction, Books, Read, Primarily

With teenagers, the emotions are higher and things are more dramatic. That doesn't mean adults don't also act like children in their own way.

- Sara Shepard

Emotions, More, Like, Dramatic

Sometimes I hear a voice - sometimes it's the voice of someone I know. And sometimes that leads to a character, which leads to a story.

- Sara Shepard

Character, Voice, Which, Leads

I like to run in a new place to help me find my way around.

- Sara Shepard

Help, New, Like, New Place

People might look great on the outside but they all have something that they're dealing with.

- Sara Shepard

People, Outside, Might, Dealing

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