I try to create new characters in each book I write. That's what makes writing fun and interesting for me.

I loved to read, and I think any child who loves to read will read anything, including the back of the cereal box, which I did every morning.

I wanted to write honest books for kids because I didn't have those when I was a kid.

Isn't that interesting. All the book clubs. I've never belonged to one.

I never thought about writing. I was married young, I was still in college, as we did then, and I had two babies before I was 25, and I loved them, and I loved taking care of them, but I was a little bit cuckoo, staying at home and not having a creative outlet.

I was shy, but I stood up in front of the class and I gave my report.I was reporting on books that I didn't want to read. I was inventing books that I didn't want to read.

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