There are things in this universe that we cannot control, and then there are the things we can. . . . Let fate, coincidence, and accident conspire; human beings must act on reason.

I often heard about his cases and I often sat in on his trials. In the late 1960s when I was growing up I wanted to be a crusader like him but I didn't want to wear a suit and commute.

The strange thing was, he wanted to like everyone. He just couldn't find a way to do it.

Even though I may not intend it when I set out to write the book, these places just emerge as major players in what I'm doing, almost as if they are insisting on it.

My book is traditional. It runs counter to the post-modern spirit.

I have relaxed into my persona as an author, although I used to fight that.

I think you have an obligation to share what you know as a writer.