Research is always the best part. As we dug deeper into the history and mythology behind each of the hallows, we discovered more and more stories - some of them deserving of novels in themselves.

My mom always used to say that average people are the most special people in the world. And that's why God made so many.

I have been very lucky: my writing has taken me across the world, and I have seen some extraordinary sites and sights.

A boy and a girl, dressed in the T-shirts and denim that are the shabby uniform of this age.

Don't take me for a fool!" Dee interrupted angrily, but then had to lean over the boat as another bout of nausea gripped him. Virginia grinned and winked at Josh. "It's hard to sound masterful when you're throwing up, isn't it?" "I hate you, Virginia Dare," Dee mumbled. "I know you don't really mean that," she said lightly. "I do," he croaked.

I published my first book in 1982 - a collection of Irish folklore called Irish Folk & Fairy Tales. It is still in print today. My first young adult book was published a couple of years later, and I've been writing in both genres ever since.

But magic is really only the utilization of the entire spectrum of the senses.