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I try not to identify too strongly with any of my characters. I like to stand back and see them objectively. I think this is why I often use boys instead of girls, just in case I get too close and lose the overall picture.

I've always played characters that were younger than myself.

I think I have character, and that is what people like in me.

My characters come from a good place.

Some people look for a certain structure in their lives that they're comfortable with. People who work hard on the road as truckers, people who work hard using their hands. Then there are people who are fortunate enough to have my life, people who play these characters who embody these qualities.

I am like my characters - sometimes even the female ones.

I tend to come up with people more than situations - most of my books start with a character.

I start with an idea or a problem or a conflict, or even a situation that might be pertinent to the lives of young people, then the characters grow from that point. I try to make strong characters that change and develop and learn from their mistakes.

I like strong female characters. I try to write them as role models for young girls.

My stories are character driven.