I like to tell students, 'I didn't burst on to the literary scene.' I'm never good at things at the beginning. I was terrible at the start. I need to work and work.

It's not a big thing, but I guess it's true--big things are often just small things that are noticed.

She let herself love me for three minutes. Can three minutes last forever? I ask myself, but already know the answer. Probably not, I reply. But maybe they last long enough.

A halo surrounded the grim reaper nun, Sister Maria. (By the way-I like this human idea of the grim reaper. I like the scythe. It amuses me.)

Tears were frozen to the book theif's face.

If you ever write a book, I can only give you one piece of advice. Don't let your parents get involved.

I try hard and aim big. People can hate or love my books but they can never accuse me of not trying.