I do believe that people who write for children are deeply connected to their own childhood.

I'm a more skilled writer now, but after 23 books it's harder to be fresh and that's really important to me. I don't want to write the same thing over and over again.

I like to read fiction best and I like to write fiction, too.

What I remember when I started to write was how I couldn't wait to get up in the morning to get to my characters.

I've never really thought in terms of taboos. I think that books can really help parents and kids talk together about difficult subjects. I've always felt that way.

The best books come from someplace inside. You don't write because you want to, but because you have to.

Determination and hard work are as important as talent.