One day I get to that spot where I've discovered the secret to the maze, and then I've got free running the rest of the way. It's a great feeling.

I stay in contact with kids, and that is a lot of fun for me, not only to get their letters but to meet them in schools and see that the books really have engaged their hearts and imaginations. That's what makes it so worthwhile.

One day I get to that spot where I've discovered the secret to the maze, and then I've got free running the rest of the way. It's a great feeling.

Old Japanese saying, live scorpion in pants makes life interesting.

Some of the best things that have happened in my stories have happened seemingly of their own accord. The writer becomes a listener, just writing things down as they come.

An image often propels the novel, gets it started. For me, it's an image that has a lot of emotion connected to it.

I often read nonfiction, and some of my ideas begin there.