With "Margaret," I remember clearly it was, you know because I did remember it clearly. I was young. I was young in terms of experience and what did I know about and I had an incredible memory from my own childhood. And so it never occurred to me to write for any other age group. And I thought I'm going to write a book and I'm going to tell the truth.

Determination and hard work are as important as talent.

My only advice is to stay aware, listen carefully, and yell for help if you need it.

When I started to write, it was the '70s, and throughout that decade, we didn't have any problems with book challenges or censorship.

I can't let safety and security become the focus of my life.

My mother was a cracker jack typist. And she would come in and sit at my house and type the final type script before I would then send it to the publisher. And it was nice for us.

I love movies, and theater, and kayaking, reading, biking, walking - oh, and dancing. I love to dance!