If you have a friend, things are better than if you didn't have a friend.

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.

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.

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

I have no special talent, you know. I never took a writing course before I began to write.

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

Do you all have a living room floor or a bedroom floor? Then you can write a book.