Fear and I were old buddies, despite my best efforts to the contrary.

There were a lot of adventure books for boys, historical novels by Kenneth Roberts, and whatever mystery novels the alarmed librarian imagined might not corrupt an eager but innocent youth.

I instantly chucked my academic ambitions and began writing fiction full-time.

However, I think I managed to reach a new level with Koko, and I will always be grateful for the experience.

I wish I'd known at the beginning that all I really had to do is trust myself. Everything would work out as if by magic once I actually leaned back into my imagination and just let it work, and not question it and not fret about it.

Wolves and those who see them are shot on sight.

On gym days, I don't get to my desk until 4 in the afternoon, and everything except bedtime and the appointment with the liquid narcotic is pushed back a bit.