There are cities that get by on their good looks, offer climate and scenery, views of mountains or oceans, rockbound or with palm trees. And there are cities like Detroit that have to work for a living.

I don't believe in writer's block or waiting for inspiration. If you're a writer, you sit down and write.

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

A friend of mine who is in the publishing business knew I was writing a book, and he said, 'Have you said anything yet about the good guy? Because I know you spend so much time with the bad guys.' Because they're fun. So then you have to make the good guy fun, in order to compete. That's the challenge.

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

I always felt, you don’t have a good time doin crime, you may as well find a job.

I don't get in a position to be frightened. I don't do anything dangerous, and I always pay my bills.