Pain and suffering are the soil of strength and courage.

I have known some magnificent young people who died very young but had wonderful lives and inspired many people by their short existence.

Forgiving's a choice you make—a gift you give to somebody even if they don't deserve it. It costs nothing, but it makes you feel rich for giving it away.

So this is always the key: you have to write the book you love, the book that's alive in your heart. That's the one you have to write.

I have always been amazed guys read my books and seem to enjoy them. Because I've raised boys, I like to think I can get inside a guy's mind. I try and make the boys talk like guys, sound like guys and react like guys.

By using novels, I show ordinary kids confronting and overcoming great odds.

If it's possible to send a message from heaven, I'll get one to you.