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Every book is like starting over again. I've written books every way possible - from using tight outlines to writing from the seat of my pants. Both ways work.

I often turn to my books when my own writing is having a hard time.

I started writing books for children because I could illustrate them myself and because, in my innocence, I thought they'd be easier.

I've always been a pretty hard worker. That's how I've written over a hundred books.

When I write a book, I'm making it the best book I can.

I tend to push whatever is looking over my shoulder away when I am writing. It's once the box of books arrive that I say I'm going to be pilloried for this or that. But then you realize it's done, and there is nothing I can do. I'm proud of the book.

My first novel was a challenge to myself. No one had an inkling that I was working on it.

I was always writing the books that I wanted to write, books that demanded to be written at the time. But, like most writers, you start off feeling your way.

The act of writing is a way of tricking yourself into revealing something that you would never consciously put into the world. Sometimes I'm shocked by the deeply personal things I've put into books without realizing it.