Having the freedom to read and the freedom to choose is one of the best gifts my parents ever gave me.

It didn't happen in the 70s. So I had a whole decade when I was writing these books and maybe there was a little bit here or there but there was no big effort to ban books.

I wasn't interested in the kinds of books that I thought I should be reading.

The creative process; I enjoy thinking up the stories and situations for my books.

You've never been in love," she said. "You don't understand." "If being in love means giving up your freedom, not to mention your opportunities," Caitlin said, "Then I haven't missed anything.

I'm a rewriter. That's the part I like best . . . once I have a pile of paper to work with, it's like having the pieces of a puzzle. I just have to put the pieces together to make a picture.

Determination and hard work are as important as talent.