R. L. Stine

If you want to be a writer, don't worry so much about writing. Read as much as you can. Read as many different writers as you can. Soak up the styles.

Read. Read. Read. Just don't read one type of book. Read different books by various authors so that you develop different styles.

I've made myself laugh from some ideas - but I've never scared myself.

I'm obsessed with radio. It's a good start to Sunday morning.

I guess I'm way too kind and generous, and a saint - if you can believe that!

After spending 22 years in Ohio, I love everything about New York.

I love theme parks but I'm a real chicken on rides. I'd rather invent scary rides for my books than go on them for real.

Twitter is fun because it lets me stay in touch with all my original readers who grew up with my books. I love hearing from readers instantly on Twitter.

I've never turned into a bee - I've never been chased by a mummy or met a ghost. But many of the ideas in my books are suggested by real life.

I've never dreamed of a story idea. I have such boring dreams.

I always just wanted to be funny. I never really planned to be scary.

I started writing when I was 9 years old. I was like this weird kid who would just stay in my room, typing little funny magazines and drawing comic strips.