In a novel, I could submerge my ego in a characters and let his perceptions take over.

I used to not back down from a challenge.

Now my mother, interestingly enough, was not a feminist in her own mind.

It is not wrong to be different. Sometimes it is hard, but it is not wrong.

I've taught Sunday school, I've sung in the choir, I directed a choir.

What it boils down to is that parenting a child with autism is a difficult job; writing about it is far easier.

Other people, including me, have written books with main characters who were old and rich. Or old and brilliant. Old sages, old wizards, old rich people.