"My theory is that I decided to be a writer when I was about seven, but of course it is not as simple as that. Like most writers, I had to work at other things to earn a living and wrote mainly in the evenings, often very late at night, for many years"

This quote by Margaret Mahy talks to the dedication and hard work that is required to become an effective author. She recommends that she made the decision to become an author when she was seven, however acknowledges that it is not as basic as that. She implies that, like many other writers, she had to operate at other tasks to earn a living, and composed generally at nights and late during the night for many years. This quote speaks to the devotion and determination that is required to become a successful author, and the value of having a passion and drive to pursue one's dreams. It likewise acts as a tip that success does not come overnight, and that it takes hard work and commitment to attain one's objectives.