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

I don't judge in my books. I don't have to have the antagonist get shot or the protagonist win. It's just how it comes out. I'm just telling a story.

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

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

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

A man can be in two different places and he will be two different men. Maybe if you think of more places he will be more men, but two is enough for now.