My most important rule is one that sums up the 10: If it sounds like writing, I rewrite it.

I got halfway through 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.' I don't get it at all. What's the big thrill? It's boring.

I'm not going to write for posterity. I'm going to write to make a buck.

It doesn't have to make sense, it just has to sound like it does.

I don’t think writers compete, I think they’re all doing separate things in their own style.

After 58 years you'd think writing would get easier. It doesn't. If you're lucky, you become harder to please. That's all right, it's still a pleasure.

There's nothing like work to take your mind off your worries.