I think a lot of things are at play when children enjoy a grisly old fairytale. I don't think many children take it literally, or rather it's quite clear to them that it's only a story, only make believe.

I can't say I'm anything like a devoted animal rights activist, but I certainly oppose cruelty to animals.

Destiny isn't immutable. You can change your fate. But I'd say the only way to do it is with hard, intelligent work and long-term dedication to a goal.

People of different ethnicities are definitely not of differing species. Biologically speaking, people are people.

Since I tend to write chronologically, the middle is always the place where the process is most taxing.

I believe young children in particular enjoy witnessing the survival of youthful protagonists against terrible odds. I think it's gratifying to the reader when you give young characters that kind of agency.

I'd hasten to say that the prejudice in Dust City isn't completely analogous to racism in the real world.