James Patterson has a way with female characters. He understands women in a way that a lot of male writers don't.

I get so much out of being married and raising my kids - that's really important to me.

Everybody has their challenges; I couldn't say that we have more challenges than other people, they're just different.

Michael and I had great role models. Though his father has passed away, his parents had an amazingly strong marriage, as do mine. Both weathered really tough times. For us it has been normal to stay together through difficulties. We grew up witnessing that firsthand.

All parents gush about what it's like to be a parent. I love it.

The majority of my family is Auburn fans, and I grew up watching Auburn football, and that's always who I've cheered for.

Dark books do appeal to kids because they have nice, sheltered lives - and they also appeal to children who are going through pretty hard times themselves.

He shouldn't be alone at a time like this. This is a special time for me to be around as much as I can. He needs his family and his friends and his fans.