Warning: Do not read this story right after eating. In fact, don't read it right before eating either. In fact, just to be safe, don't read this story if you're ever planning to eat again.

The media tends to portray the teenage world as one where drinking and sex is taken for granted. In fact, I think most teenagers don't drink, are unsure of themselves, and feel awkward around members of the opposite sex.

Whenever you give someone a present or sing a holiday song, you're helping Santa Claus. To me, that's what Christmas is all about. Helping Santa Claus!

I guess what led to me writing 'Holes' was having moved to Texas in 1991, and it was sort of my reaction to Texas.

Each beat told him he was still alive, at least for one more second.

When I write a novel, every word is mine. I welcome suggestions from my editor, but in the end, I make all the final decisions.

Part of me becomes the characters I'm writing about. I think readers feel like they are there, the way I am, as a result.