As a child, I amused myself by making up stories. I'd lie in bed when I was supposed to be sleeping and imagine other lands where people were doing fascinating things. By fifth grade, I knew I wanted to be a writer, but it took several more decades to really find my way as an author.

I'm not naturally an extrovert. I'm a writer - I sit in a room by myself making things up. That is where I'm happiest.

I suppose I was artistic as a child. Our house was so full of art and artists that it never occurred to me not to be constantly making things. I just assumed that all kids liked to work with their hands as much as I did. I was an only child so I did have a lot of time to be creative by myself and with my parents.

I've sort of always been obsessed with telling stories and making things up.

Writing wasn't about making money. I wanted to find fulfillment in writing and telling stories, and that's what's driven me.

I felt impelled to write. It felt demonic, and I wanted to improve, the way some people habitually pick up a guitar and get better at playing it and making up songs.