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

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

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

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.

I've quit writing screenplay [adaptations]. It's too much work. I don't look at writing a novel as work, because I only have to please myself. I have a good time sitting here by myself, thinking up situations and characters, getting them to talk - it's so satisfying. But screenwriting's different. You might think you're writing for yourself, but there are too many other people to please.

I focus on characters as individuals with attitudes and write each scene from a particular character's point of view. That way, even narrative passages take on the character's sound. I don't want the reader to be aware of me, writing.

I never see my bad guys as simply bad. They want pretty much the same thing that you and I want: they want to be happy.