Forgiveness, reader, is, I think, something very much like hope and love - a powerful, wonderful thing. And a ridiculous thing, too.

The funny thing is, when I've gone through the relentless editing process, my editor and I are amazed the Mercy Watson books still make us laugh. The same jokes that made us laugh the first time around still make us laugh in the 16th rendition.

The world is dark, and light is precious. Come closer, dear reader. You must trust me. I am telling you a story.

I'm in trouble if they can't, because everyone's taller than me, and if that's true, that means I can't have any friends! Alison [McGhee] and I look very much like, I was going to say Bink and Gollie, but I meant Mutt and Jeff. We look ridiculous when we walk down the street together, because she's so tall and I'm so short. But yes, tall people and short people can, and should be, friends. I, personally, like being short. I think it makes things easier.

I am single and childless, but I have lots of friends and I am an aunt to three lovely children.

Anybody who puts a book into someone else's hands inspires me - teachers, librarians, booksellers, parents.

They were always on the move.But in truth said bull we are all going nowhere