People nearly always believe, and are willing to back it up with weapons and cruelty, that their religion and way of life is better than the other person's

If you write a story based on a real person, you're trapped by the details of the real person and his life. It gets in the way of writing your own story.

When in doubt, shut up.

I approach serious subjects, and I like to have the good guys win and have the parents among the good guys

I'll take you to Mickey D's," said Sean. "I'll buy you a hamburger." Annie was not thrilled. Sean's offer did not compare to offers made in other centuries. "And fries," Sean said. "And a vanilla milkshake." Annie remained unthrilled. "Okay, okay. You can have a Big Mac." Romance in my century, she thought, is pitiful.

I get letters from readers who say that they have always hated reading, but somebody suggested one of my books, they actually finished the book and enjoyed it, and they're going on to read another book. I'm thrilled that they have figured out that reading is fun

Actually my first eight books were historical novels, but they were never published