Hands down, the biggest thrill is to get a letter from a kid saying, I loved your book. Will you write me another one?

Every well-written book is a light for me. When you write, you use other writers and their books as guides in the wilderness.

Everything I write comes from my childhood in one way or another. I am forever drawing on the sense of mystery and wonder and possibility that pervaded that time of my life.

I was born in Philadelphia and currently live in Minneapolis. I write for both children and adults.

I always write with music. It takes me a while to figure out the right piece of music for what I'm working on. Once I figure it out, that's the only thing I'll play.

I work full-time in a used bookstore. I get up. I drink a cup of coffee. I think, The last thing I want to do is write. Then I go to the computer and write.