I don't want to ever write a book that seems like it's pandering to younger people or talking down to people who I know are very smart.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
Why not write a book which is as sophisticated as a book for an adult, but is about the concerns that teenagers actually have?
I'm not a writer who refuses to talk about a book until I've finished.
I have spent a great deal of my time defending my work against those who see it as too complicated, too old in approach, too bleak to qualify as children's literature. This has been the bane of my life.
My personal theory is that younger audiences disdain books - not because those readers are dumber than past readers, but because today's reader is smarter.
I can't write a book like 'Lamb' or 'Fool' every year. It just takes too much research and craft.
I've always been drawn to writing for young readers. The books that I read growing up remain in my mind very strongly.
I don't want my writing to be work to read. My main goal is completely shameless entertainment. I want people to smile and giggle and enjoy the book. I'm not trying to save the world through literature.
When I was younger, I was full of smart things to say about all my books.
You have to write the book that wants to be written. And if the book will be too difficult for grown-ups, then you write it for children.
I never want to deal with a book once I'm finished writing.