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.

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.

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.

I believe actual violence scars children much more than violence in storybooks.

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

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