This isn't a fairy tale. It's New York City.

It would be so great to have someone my own age to talk to, even if it was just about books.

I have a great deal of empathy for anyone who's having a hard time. I believe this ability to see another's viewpoint has served me well as a writer.

A shoe that fits one person pinches another.

Since I've written many of my books from a less-than-sympathetic viewpoint, I think that being able to see things from all sides is a useful talent.

Although my other ambition was to be a musical theater star (and I would attend college on a voice scholarship), writing was never far from my mind.

Sometimes, unexpected things can happen.