I don't read young adult or children's books, now that my grandchildren are beyond the age of my reading to them. I read reviews, and so I'm aware of what's out there. But I tend not to read the books.

Nowadays it seems as though people sit down to write what they know is going to be a trilogy.

I don't set out to transmit a message. I don't write with a political point of view. There are no religious overtones. Looking back at my books, I can say, 'Oh, yes, it is there.' But it's not in my mind when I write.

I think teens are drawn to these speculative books that portray what might happen and what could happen.

I was a sidelines child: never class president, never team captain, never the one with the most valentines in my box.