Mum's serial misbehavior over the years had driven me, despairing, to write her scolding - occasionally scalding letters.

I just write what comes along. I don't have a detailed master plan.

I hope when I'm on my deathbed, people forgive me, because there is a lot to forgive.

I voted for Barack Obama largely on the basis of his temperament, which I thought superior. He is only 47 years old, but to me seemed older than that: a man of precocious aspect and judgment.

Some kids got letters back, some got merchandise. (It helps the) kids realize that, by writing, they can actually get positive results back.

A new idea is like carbonated liquid in a bottle. You just sort of shake it until the cork pops, then you write and write.