Believe it or not, my introduction to scary literature was 'Pinocchio.' My mother read it to me every day before naptime when I was three or four. The original 'Pinocchio' is terrifying.

I read Rumi, the 13th-century Persian poet, every day.

Write for yourself. That's it. And write every day.

It's hard for children's authors to be accepted when they try to write adult books. J.K. Rowling is the exception because people are so eager to read anything by her, but it took Judy Blume three or four tries before she had a success.

I've got four kids - I unblock a toilet every day.

I believe, I believe every day is a good day when you paint.