There are so many difficult things and stories can make them palatable. That's the way I have always felt.

Allow me to congratulate you on your very astute powers of observation.

Mercy Watson is obsessed with toast. What was blocking me was the challenge of trying to understand what she loves, what motivates her. That was the missing piece. Toast became the physical symbol of Mercy's hopefully endearing greed and obsession. Without that element in place, it didn't make sense.

I didn't know at the time I was writing Because of Winn-Dixie where the story came from, but in retrospect I can see that it was a response to a terribly harsh winter here in Minnesota.

It's hard not to immediately fall in love witha dog who has a good sense of humor.

I have done quite a few signings at bookstores, libraries and conferences. I have received phone calls and letters from people who liked the book.

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