TV critics, who traditionally hate television and make their living writing about it, often didn't like what I did on the air.

I believe that writing is derivative. I think good writing comes from good reading.

My parents encouraged me in everything I ever wanted to do.

When I worked in Los Angeles covering hard news, very often when something important would happen I'd be off in the woods covering something unimportant, which was more interesting to me.

That was the overwhelming thing to me, the joy of carrying my portable typewriter to an event and trying to describe it.

I think I'd have done better if I had been a little more relaxed-if I had not pressed quite so hard, if I'd not lost quite so much sleep.

I much preferred the peaceful life on the road, where I didn't have to ask embarrassing questions and do all the things real reporters have to do.