Meg Cabot

Writing is a workout, just like going for a run!

Usually writer's block arises when something is wrong internally with the story.

Remember, if you don't feel passionate about the characters and subject of your story, your readers won't either.

Pretty isn't the only thing that matters - being smart and kind matters more, of course - but all daughters should hear from their moms that they look pretty once in a while.

Sometimes I just want to write a really intense love scene. But I can't do that in my books for teens, or parents will complain - believe me, I've tried.

I don't have kids, but in many ways I feel I've had them already. I don't want to say I raised my brothers - that sounds too strong - but actually I do feel like that a bit.

One of the reasons that I think I do love to write is because I did have a difficult childhood and not so great teenage years. It always helped me escape from my problems.

If you're writing a screenplay, you need to be prepared to let go: there's a good chance the words you write aren't going to be the ones that end up on screen.

For each book, I do end up making a kind of playlist to fit the characters.

Screenwriting is a much more collaborative effort. When you write a novel, it's just you, with input from your editor.

Write the kind of story you would like to read. People will give you all sorts of advice about writing, but if you are not writing something you like, no one else will like it either.

My favorite book of all time is Cold Comfort Farm, by Stella Gibbons.

There's nothing secret about it. Everyone knows that I am waiting for my real parents, the king and queen, to come restore me to my rightful throne.

I was too lazy to start a whole new story, so I just stuck a princess into the story I was working on... and The Princess Diaries was born!

No matter how nice the company one might be with, however, it is never pleasant to have a rifle pointed at one's back.

When I was a kid, I had a couple of really good friends, like some really good best friends, but I was really shy other than that.

I used to draw and illustrate, but I don't do that anymore because I just like to write. I like to leave the illustrations to actual professional illustrators.

I really liked drama and being in plays, so when I was playing a character onstage and I could act like somebody else, then I wasn't scared or nervous, but I didn't like meeting new people when I had to be myself. That was scary.

One of the biggest motivations for me with writing my books is to offer girls some escapism, especially girls who really need it, like I did.

I really wanted to be veterinarian, but I got a 410 on my math SATs.