you can't deny they ever happened. You can't deny you ever loved them, love them still, even if loving them causes you pain

The child from 9 to 12 interests me very much. And so, those were the years that I like to write about, when I'm writing.

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

I'm a people person. I never get tired of watching people, especially young people.

First of all I can only focus on one creative project at a time. I wish I could focus on two, because I really only write.

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.

I use a computer, but before I begin each new book I keep a notebook. I write down everything that comes to mind during that period before I actually begin. It might take months or weeks. That notebook is my security blanket so that I never have to face a blank screen (or blank page). But I print out often and my best ideas usually come with a pencil in my hand.