Many times in my life I've been upset about something and said to myself, "Will this matter in two years?" Not even in two months.

What I think of sometimes, as I read the new books - do kids really need to see such a seamy side of life? I'm in the minority, such an old woman, perhaps. I love the books that have given kids joy, that give them hope at the end. Sometimes it seems to me the books right now are very depressive.

I loved teaching. It was my world. I only left because I was overwhelmed with three careers - teaching, writing, and my family.

Revision is the heart of writing. Every page I do is done over seven or eight times.

Outside of family, writing is essential. To me, it's like breathing.

To me, family is everything. I want children to realize how important their families are and what a support system a family is.

I cannot outline. I do not know what the next thing is going to happen in the book until it comes out of my fingers.