What works for eating and swimming might work for reading and writing.

Along with John Hughes, he's probably the biggest influence. Would be awesome not only to meet him; he's one person I'd also definitely like to work with.

Music drives me insane, the incessant presence of music in my life. It informs how I see the world; it drives me crazy

I'm not reading any novels right now, though not for lack of trying. Unless they're really good, my attention in most novels tends to sputter out after a hundred pages or so - an awful admission for someone who is trying to write one, but it's true.

Life's too short to drink crappy coffee and cry over boys who don't care.

As I tell my intro creative writing students, after reading someone you love, wait at least an hour before starting to write.

Growing up, I was obsessed with Michael Jackson. I saw him at Wembley when I was 7 years old, it was my first proper show. He was like a god to me.