Meaning: This quote by Margaret Mahy, a renowned children's author, reflects her perspective on her current stage of life and its impact on her writing. In this statement, Mahy acknowledges that she is not as closely involved with young adults as many other writers. She attributes this to the fact that her own children are now grown up, and her grandchildren are still quite young. This insight into Mahy's personal life offers valuable context for understanding her literary works and the themes that she explores in her writing.

Margaret Mahy was a prolific author known for her imaginative and captivating children's and young adult literature. Born in New Zealand in 1936, Mahy's career spanned several decades, during which she produced a diverse range of works that resonated with readers of all ages. Her writing often delved into themes of imagination, adventure, and the complexities of childhood and adolescence.

The quote suggests that Mahy's personal experiences and relationships have a significant influence on her writing. As a mother and grandmother, her interactions with young people have undoubtedly shaped her understanding of the evolving dynamics of childhood and adolescence. While she may not be as closely involved with young adults at the time of the quote, her earlier experiences and insights as a parent and grandparent likely continue to inform her storytelling and character development.

Mahy's acknowledgment of her distance from young adults at this stage of her life also speaks to the evolving nature of her writing. As her own children have grown up and her grandchildren are still young, she may be drawing from different sources of inspiration and observation compared to earlier stages of her career. This evolution in her personal life may manifest in her literary works, potentially leading to new perspectives and themes in her writing.

Furthermore, the quote provides a glimpse into Mahy's humility and self-awareness as a writer. By acknowledging that she is not as closely involved with young adults as some of her peers, she demonstrates a level of introspection about her current position in the literary landscape. This self-awareness may also reflect her openness to embracing new influences and sources of inspiration as she continues to craft stories for young readers.

Overall, Margaret Mahy's quote offers a window into the intersection of her personal life and her artistry as a writer. It highlights the ways in which her experiences as a parent and grandparent have shaped her understanding of young people, while also hinting at the potential evolution of her storytelling as she navigates different stages of life. This insight enriches our understanding of Mahy's literary legacy and the enduring impact of her works on generations of readers.