What's the point of being sad?" he says. "We're here now.

Often I feel that projects overwhelm us when we look at how many hours are involved until completion. But just getting started is usually not that difficult.

I really try to focus on my books and readers.

I'm not trying to convey a message, I'm just trying to tell a story.

I've always loved sister stories in fiction, from the time I was little, reading about Beezus and Ramona. I've always wanted to write a sister story.

No, scratch the word "career." Careers are for people who wish to advance. I only want to survive, draw a paycheck.

There are no absolutes in relationships. You can't take anything for granted. You can count on absolutely nothing but the unexpected. You only get in trouble when you start thinking that you're some kind of exception to the rule.