...those of us who write for children are called, not to do something to a child, but be someone for a child.

I think if a book has the power to move a reader, it also has the power to offend a reader. And you want your books to have power, so you just have to take what comes with that.

Some folks are natural born kickers. They can always find a way to turn disaster into butter.

a work that intends to be art must first be entertaining.

It seems to me that there are two great enemies of peace - fear and selfishness.

Since my first novel was rescued from a slush pile, it makes me sad that most publishing houses no longer accept unsolicited manuscripts. Nor are many willing to take chances on novels that are not deemed immediately "marketable."

The last dregs of winter spoiling the taste of everything.