I'm drawn particularly to stories that evolve out of the character of the protagonist.

There are people who are trying to write history for the general reader who can be quite tedious. That said, I do feel in my heart of hearts that if history isn't well written, it isn't going to be read, and if it isn't read it's going to die.

You can't love what you don't know much about. You can't convince, stimulate, hold the attention, teach, if you don't know what you're talking about.

My shorthand answer is that I try to write the kind of book that I would like to read. If I can make it clear and interesting and compelling to me, then I hope maybe it will be for the reader.

Washington was a man of exceptional, almost excessive self-command, rarely permitting himself any show of discouragement or despair.

To this noble end the delegates had pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor.

They must be cool but determined...he threatened instant death to any man who showed cowardice.