I was not exploiting any real individual's story in writing ROOM, of course I was aware that my novel, by commenting on such situations, would run the risk of falling into those traps of voyeurism, sensationalism and sentimentality.

I've always been religiously inclined, but it doesn't come up in most of my books.

If you have written something that the film people want, like a book, it does give you a way in.

When I was a little kid I thought like a little kid, but now I'm five I know everything

Everyone's got a different story.

I think about Old Nick carrying me into the truck, I'm dizzy like I'm going to fall down. "Scared is what you're feeling," says Ma, "but brave is what you're doing." "Huh?" "Scaredybrave." "Scave." Word sandwiches always make her laugh but I wasn't being funny.

I think I know what it's like to have a family that the outside world sees as peculiar or lacking.