I never read the "Bobbsey Twins" or "Boxcar Children."But I did remember being downtown, at the bookstore by myself and having an allowance and spending it on a Nancy Drew mysteries. And I was probably eleven, twelve.

It's so amazing. I mean talk about sexuality changing.

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.

Sometimes I can't read my own handwriting. That's a problem!

It's strange, but when it comes right down to it I never do fall apart--even when I'm sure I will.

Never give up! And remember, determination is as important as talent.

In this age of censorship, I mourn the loss of books that will never be written, I mourn the voices that will be silenced-writers' voices, teachers' voices, students' voices-and all because of fear.