Ann Turner Quotes

#1. In 'The Girl Who Chased Away Sorrow,' part of the 'Dear America' series, I took my childhood bravery and stubbornness and put that at the core of the Navajo girl, Sarah Nita. It helped me to identify with her survival and to write about her courageous journey and that of her people.

Ann Turner

#2. I am as interested in seeing what happens to my characters as any reader; that is why I tell kids that writers write for the same reason readers read - to find out the end of the story.

Ann Turner

#3. But now you can't find me or reach me or hurt me ever again and once I tell the words I am going to kick you off my porch and learn to breathe again.

Ann Turner

#4. Jean Plaidy was the greatest influence on me.

Ann Turner

#5. I have ideas saved on my computer that I visit from time to time to see if one may shine and motivate me.

Ann Turner

#6. The values transmitted through oral history are many - courage, selflessness, the ability to endure, and to do so with humor and grace. I got those values listening to my dad's stories about the Depression and how their family survived. It gave me courage that I, too, could survive hard times.

Ann Turner

#7. I don't sit down in front of my computer screen and think, 'Right. Today I shall begin a story set in this or that period of history.' I just get ideas from the world around me.

Ann Turner

#8. I continue to wish that writing were easier, that it would flow out completely perfect with no need for revisions.

Ann Turner

#9. Writers are nosy people; we are endlessly curious: we ask questions when we shouldn't - we peek around corners when we are least expected.

Ann Turner

#10. Kids who want to become writers might want to start carrying a small notebook in their backpack. I encourage people to sit down in malls and listen, just listen, to how people talk.

Ann Turner