We all live in fear of getting blocked no matter what kind of art we're trying to do. It happens all the time, but I prefer to think of it as a bad day.

I was born in Philadelphia and currently live in Minneapolis. I write for both children and adults.

There ain't no way you can hold onto something that wants to go, you understand? You can only love what you got while you got it.

Once upon a time," he said out loud to the darkness. He said these words because they were the best, the most powerful words that he knew and just the saying of them comforted him.

There is nothing sweeter in this sad world than the sound of someone you love calling your name.

When we read together, we connect. Together, we see the world. Together, we see one another.

Reading should not be presented to children as a chore or duty. It should be offered to them as a precious gift.

The undoing is almost always more difficult than the doing.

You must be filled with expectancy. You must be awash in hope. You must wonder who will love you, whom you will love next.

It is important that you say what you mean to say. Time is too short. You must speak the words that matter.

The world is dark, and light is precious. Come closer, dear reader. You must trust me. I am telling you a story.

One way poetry connects is across time. . . . Some echo of a writer's physical experience comes into us when we read her poem.

Gender equality will only be reached if we are able to empower women.

Whatever happened to the good old days: you know, dirty attics, tuberculosis and general all-round suffering?

Music is still part of my spiritual life. Sometimes I sing my prayers. When I get audiences singing, I hope I'm helping them feel connected to something beyond themselves.

The final proof of greatness lies in being able to endure contumely without resentment.

I knew that I always wanted to keep making music, but I knew that comics needed to be a part of my life.

I've worked hard and accomplished what I've accomplished in the heavyweight scene.

I've always made sure that I tour with bands that people aren't expecting me to tour with.

The course of history can be changed but not halted.

Some natural sorrow, loss, or pain That has been, and may be again.