You have to believe it and you hate it. I don't have to and I think it's beautiful.

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."

He [an earnest young reporter] seemed to share the view of many intelligent, well-educated, well-meaning people that, while adult literature may aim to be art, the object of children's books is to whip the little rascals into shape.

I woke up one morning and realized that what I wanted to say to everyone - children, young people, adults - was: Read for your life.

Kids often ask me if characters are real or made up - and I always tell them, 'I hope they're real but I made them up.'

Mandarin ducks mate for life and will die of loneliness if separated from their chosen mate.

Many people are angry when they make a mistake, but very few people have the sense to be sorry.