Setting is the bedrock of your story. If you choose a real-world backdrop, be certain you get your facts straight.

I was always a 'let's pretend' kind of kid.

I love all of my books. They were labors of love; I was striving to create something well done, and I do feel I succeeded.

It would be lovely if it was all Right vs. Wrong, Good overcomes Evil - I think most Americans, going about their daily lives, fool themselves into thinking that that's how our little world works, but it just isn't so.

In Estonia, the Russian minority can move freely, travel freely, work anywhere in Europe.

Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts.

Whether it's as the hero of an adventure story, as teacher and friend, as icon on watch, shirt or hat - everyone knows Mickey Mouse.

Once, I was out of the house 93 days in a year. I was missing grandparents' days at schools and kids' birthdays and Valentine's Day, not to mention the fact that when you're on the road, you can't get anything done. I had to learn to say 'No,' cut back on travel.