Tamora Pierce — American Writer born on December 13, 1953,

Tamora Pierce is an American writer of fantasy fiction for teenagers, known best for stories featuring young heroines. She made a name for herself with her first book series, The Song of the Lioness, which followed the main character Alanna through the trials and triumphs of training as a knight. Many of her books have feminist themes... (wikipedia)

Most important of all, there is no right or wrong way to write - there's only what works for you. I was taught to write every day, but I know a writer (a bestseller at that!) who only writes on weekends.
We live in a dark time. Books are as dark as what is available to teenagers through the media every day.
One of the things I strive for is realism. I need to be as real as possible in the dilemmas my characters face.
Teen problem novels? I can go through them like a box of chocolates. And there are fantasy books out now that need a lot more editing. Fantasy got to be so popular that people began to think 'We don't need to be as diligent with the razor blade,' but they do.
After I recovered from 'Lioness', I wanted to write something about animals because I really like mythical creatures, especially dragons. At 12, I was one of those semi-recluses who did better with animals than people. Out of that, came the character, Daine, who could communicate with animals.