As a journalist I'm comfortable doing library research, and I did a lot! I had a fellowship at Radcliff for a year which gave me access to the Harvard system.

My early childhood was spent in Newark, New Jersey, but my family moved to Denver when I was 12.

I'm not a literary writer. I didn't go to whatever school it is or have the mentor you need to get reviewed in the New York Times.

I tell writers to keep reading, reading, reading. Read widely and deeply. And I tell them not to give up even after getting rejection letters. And only write what you love.

I never wanted Mary Poppins to be my nanny. I wanted to be her when I grew up.

I love many kinds of music: world music, jazz, classical, pop.