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.

At the time I begin writing a novel, the last thing I want to do is follow a plot outline. To know too much at the start takes the pleasure out of discovering what the book is about.

Using adverbs is a mortal sin.

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

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

It's my attempt to remain invisible, not distract the reader from the story with obvious writing.

I won't read a book that starts with a description of the weather. I don't read books over 300 pages, though I'll make an exception for Don Delillo.