But I was also doing odd jobs around Portland, like spreading gravel and transplanting bamboo trees.

I just wanted to move out of Portland to do something.

I don't really like New York better than Portland. It's just a different place.

When I was writing my first two books I was also freelancing and teaching and doing other odd jobs.

I don't think that Dreamworks would have signed me expecting to really mess around with whatever it is I do.

I think I was just very odd.