Everything in my life affects my writing. There are no separate parts of my life.

The reasons kids get into trouble in one way or another is because - Who ever told them they were special?

What inspired me to become an author? I think it was the snow in New York. I looked out the window and I said, 'Well, I have to get dressed every morning to go to teach, but if I write a book, I can stay home in my bathrobe, eat candy corn.'

Anyone who has problems, or worries, anyone who laughs and cries, anyone who feels can write. It's only talking on paper... talking about the things that matter to us.

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.

I'm still writing in my old age. And still loving it. It fills my days. Writing is my salvation. I just get up in the morning, and I'm in this world that I scratch out and begin again and write over - and then suddenly it's lunchtime, and I'm back.

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