I think, to be a successful author, you've got to be part recluse and part show-off.

The type of stories I write are about young people grappling with the biggest problems in their lives, often problems that are bigger than they're actually capable of solving.

Halfway through primary school, I realised that I was not as physically strong or fearless as many kids. So, in situations of conflict, I quickly learned that it worked better for me to get out of situations or maybe kind of, you know, prevail in a conflict situation by using humour than by trying to punch somebody out.

I think to be a successful comic, you have to be exceptionally smart and exceptionally perceptive.

I think calling someone a character is a compliment.

I think Zippy is part of me, but I'm not Zippy.