I’m a mix – very lucky to live just six blocks away from a branch of the very excellent Seattle Library system, which allows me to hold items online and pick them up at that selfsame branch – so I get a lot of books (research, curiosity, other YA books) there. But then I’m part of a community of authors, and it just wouldn’t be right not to own a copy of as many signed books as possible. I will often check out books from the library, love them, and end up buying them to be a part of my permanent collection – to educate, to inspire, to look at lovingly. It helps that I have a husband who doesn’t mind that we have bookshelves in practically every room.

I don’t borrow from the library much because I hate to give books back. I want to keep books and see them on the shelves in my house. I like to have a whole lot that haven’t been read so I always have a large selection to choose from.

I grew up in a home with floor to ceiling bookshelves on many walls and I can remember browsing those shelves. Sometimes you’re not in the mood for one thing, but you’re in the mood for something else. I think you need a large variety at hand so you can find just the right book for the right rainy day.

And I wanted my children to have the same choices. So my shelves are full of children’s books.

I buy many of my books at library book sales. I was at one two weeks ago and I got 67 books for 20 dollars. But I also buy a lot of books new. I buy books I love in hardback because I want to have them on my shelves. They are better than artwork, I think. They make me feel rich and satisfied. I also buy books I love as presents. I give them to everyone.