There are 500 million people on Facebook, but what are they saying to each other? Not much.

Never use the words 'suddenly' or 'all hell broke loose.'

My most important piece of advice to all you would-be writers: when you write, try to leave out all the parts readers skip.

The line of dialogue belongs to the character; the verb is the writer sticking his nose in.

My characters have to talk, or they're out. They audition in early scenes. If they can't talk, they're given less to do, or thrown out.

Don't worry about what your mother thinks of your language.

I still read Hemingway. I still read his short stories because they're so good. He doesn't waste any words.