Nothing in the whole world felt as good as being able to make something from a sudden idea.

When I was in the first grade I was afraid of the teacher and had a miserable time in the reading circle, a difficulty that was overcome by the loving patience of my second grade teacher. Even though I could read, I refused to do so.

I write in longhand on yellow legal pads.

With twins, reading aloud to them was the only chance I could get to sit down. I read them picture books until they were reading on their own.

What interests me is what children go through while growing up.

The key to writing successful YA is to keep the adults out of the story as much as possible.

I enjoy writing for third and fourth graders most of all.