Making my class laugh and getting in trouble. I was the class clown.

I've had a very sheltered life. What can happen to you if you stay home writing all day?

People say, 'What advice do you have for people who want to be writers?' I say, they don't really need advice, they know they want to be writers, and they're gonna do it. Those people who know that they really want to do this and are cut out for it, they know it.

I started writing when I was 9 years old. I was like this weird kid who would just stay in my room, typing little funny magazines and drawing comic strips.

After spending 22 years in Ohio, I love everything about New York.

Normally, I spend a week on the outline and take two weeks to write the book.

I've lived in New York for 40 years. I came right after college.