I've always been fascinated by quantum physics and the possibility of alternate realities.
— James Dashner
I think Judy Blume, Stephen King, and Dean Koontz are the three authors responsible for my being where I am today. I owe them a lot.
I've always had high ambitions and aspirations.
You'll work hard to create characters that are compelling and unforgettable. But in the end, it's the story that matters.
I don't think anything's more rewarding than hearing that you've helped someone gain a love of reading.
Never give up. Laugh a lot. Be good to others.
When I'm feeling a little empty in the head, I like to go see movies or read to loosen things up there.
Be unpredictable, be real, be interesting. Tell a good story.
In my early writing, all of my characters were exactly the same person. They all spoke the same, made the same types of jokes, reacted the same, etc. I think they were all just me in disguise.
I really love middle-grade. Middle-grade books have a little more of a magical, light-hearted feel. You can be a little bit more quirky, you can have a little more humor. It doesn't get so dark and deep.
To practice - write each and every day if possible - then try to attend professional writer's conferences where you can learn your craft, get to know fellow writers, and meet editors and agents.
I'm inspired by almost everything I come across in life, and one way or another they find themselves sneaking into my stories.
Don't ever let the other stuff get in the way of your inherent skills as a kick-butt storyteller. Move the reader, make them happy and sad and excited and scared. Make them stare into space after they've put the book down, thinking about the tale that's become a part of them.
Down the road a bit, I would like to write a couple of stand-alone adult novels, especially in the horror genre. I've got lots of things up my sleeve.
