I often compare myself as a kid to my own grandchildren, who are around 11 and 14 now. That's the age kids usually read my book. And I remember myself, we'd gone through a world war. My father was an army officer so I was aware of what was going on. But I wasn't bombarded with images of catastrophe like many kids are today.

When I create characters, I create a world to inhabit and they begin to feel very real for me. I don't belong in a psych ward, I don't think, but they become very real, like my own family, and then I have to say goodbye, close the door, and work on other things.

The life where nothing was ever unexpected. Or inconvenient. Or unusual. The life without colour, pain or past.

The mind can’t explain it, and you can’t make it go away. It’s called love.

If you were to be lost in the river, Jonas, your memories would not be lost with you. Memories are forever.

Teasing's part of the fun that comes before kissing

- My instructors in science and technology have taught us about how the brain works. It's full of electrical impulses. It's like a computer. If you stimulate one part of the brain with an electrode, it... - They know nothing.