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.

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

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

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.'

When I sit and talk with a person, I'm not always paying attention. I'm looking at the person and saying, 'What is it about his or her life that appeals to me?

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

All of my books are based in some way on my personal experiences, or the experiences of members of my family, or the stories kids would tell me in school.