For me, cultivation of my own style really started by looking at people. There are just some really beautiful people in the world. When you're walking down the street, or you're at a restaurant, someone catches your eye because they have their own look. It goes way beyond what they're wearing-into their mannerisms, the way they smile, or just the way they hold themselves.

There is a value to moving more slowly through a story.

There's also something sexual about watching the nubile girl in terror. But you do take on her fear as your own.

Secrets are never secure because they are always at risk of being found out.

I don't think secrets are a bad thing. I think there's this idea that everything needs to be transparent in order for it to be free.

I've never had a mentor. I've always wanted one. I'm actually really disappointed that nobody took my under their wing.

My dad liked more macho adventure books like Shogun or spy novels. My mother reads murder mysteries. In fact, so does her mother, my grandma. That's where I trace the familial line of murder mystery obsession.