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 spent most of my dough on booze, broads and boats and the rest I wasted.

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

I have fun writing. I don't make it a chore. I don't have to struggle with it.

I still read Hemingway. I still read his short stories because they're so good. He doesn't waste any words.

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.