Historical atrocities have certainly shown that dehumanizing any group is the first step toward genocide.

In Japan, it's strange to openly take credit for giving to charity or even to donate publicly.

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

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

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.

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.