I find that one of the most important things, as a writer, is to just show up - to just stay in the chair and fight through the difficult patches. As long as you're at the desk, and you're willing to fight it out, eventually the right words will come.

During my school visits, I really enjoy the feedback I get from them much more than anything I might tell say to them.

I really like visiting schools, but what I tell students isn't anywhere near as interesting to me as what they tell me.

Years ago when I got stuck, I'd start twirling my hair. That's not possible anymore. I can't prove the relationship between writing and hair loss, but I think I pulled out a fair amount trying to work on certain sentences.

One might expect that the families of murder victims would be showered with sympathy and support, embraced by their communities. But in reality they are far more likely to feel isolated, fearful, and ashamed, overwhelmed by grief and guilt, angry at the criminal-justice system, and shunned by their old friends.

Point of view is present in anything I write, but I really try to let the subject and facts speak for themselves.

There's a real strong link today between soda consumption and obesity among children.