How do you know when you are finished with a piece of writing?
—Evie, age 10

I have trouble finishing my stories, so how can I finish?
—Lily, age 11

I recently had a delightful chat with my friend Jonathan Rogers for his podcast "The Habit."

"I've been reading Fiddler's Green and it makes me wonder if you and your husband 'help' each other in your writing.

As a child, were your gifts always celebrated? And if not, how did you overcome or what did you hold onto when it wasn't easy? —Ambre, parent

Do you ever teach writing classes for adults?

I can't tell you how many times I'm asked this question!

How do you come up with the names of your characters?
—Annie, age 12

It's no secret to those who know me that I love Pixar movies!

 What’s in your story soup? J. R. R. Tolkien, in a famous essay on fairy-stories, wrote about “the Pot of Soup, the Cauldron of Story” . . .

In Henry and the Chalk Dragon, the artistic main character, Henry, has a knightly costume he’s fashioned for himself . . .

Is there anything you do if you're in a slump with your writing, or can't find any ideas, or if you're struggling with writer's block? I really love your books!

—Leslie, age 13