With each book I write, I become more and more convinced that the books have a life of their own, quite apart from me.

A book comes and says, 'Write me.' My job is to try to serve it to the best of my ability, which is never good enough, but all I can do is listen to it, do what it tells me and collaborate.

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 write - and then I write some more.

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.

With each book I write, I become more and more convinced that [the books] have a life of their own, quite apart from me.