I always say the next book is my favorite, because without a "next" book, you don't really have a career as a book author.

Every person in the world should have the right to learn to read and go to school. It's our responsibility, as global citizens, to ensure that all people have access to developing that skill... and access to books.

No strict schedule, but I write nearly daily in my journal. Sometimes I go back and pull out things to give to my characters and my settings in books that I write. But the books themselves are not scheduled. I work on a book when it comes to me, usually about one a year. I spend a lot of time working on it in my head. But getting it published is another matter. So, I have a lot of unpublished manuscripts.

I am from many places. I am from a hike across Tuscany...waves of golden wheat undulating on the hills...tractors plowing new vineyards...taxi drivers yelling, "Bella!" I am from a canoe motoring through marshes in the Amazon outside Manaus, Brazil... Jacana birds taking flight as we pass houses on stilts... giant trees and lily pads...and giggling children jumping into the lake for a swim during a downpour, while I stand unbelievably drenched but baptized by a oneness of spirit.

I always say the next book is my favorite, because without a "next" book, you don't really have a career as a book author.

The idea for a book usually bubbles up from my sub-conscious when I am drifting off to sleep. Each one has started as a line or two that I've heard in my head. As a writer, you have to leave space to listen for words. That means finding time to be quiet and listen for that still, small voice.

My books are like my children. I love them all.