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

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 left advertising as fast as I could in 1961. And I haven't ever thought about going back.

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

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.

These are rules I've picked up along the way to help me remain invisible when I'm writing a book, to help me show rather than tell what's taking place in the story.

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