If you don't see the book you want on the shelves, write it.
My favorite books are a constantly changing list, but one favorite has remained constant: the dictionary. Is the word I want to use spelled practice or practise? The dictionary knows. The dictionary also slows down my writing because it is such interesting reading that I am distracted.
I didn't start out writing to give children hope, but I'm glad some of them found it.
The key to writing successful YA is to keep the adults out of the story as much as possible.
I write in longhand on yellow legal pads.
I enjoy writing for third and fourth graders most of all.
