I try to leave out the parts readers skip.

Try not to write the parts that people skip.

It doesn't have to make sense, it just has to sound like it does.

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

Never use a verb other than "said" to carry dialogue... I once noticed Mary McCarthy ending a line of dialogue with "she asseverated" and had to stop reading and go to the dictionary.

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

I get letters. I get several a week, I think. A lot of people want a picture, a lot of people just want an autograph.