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

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.

Using adverbs is a mortal sin.

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

A friend of mine who is in the publishing business knew I was writing a book, and he said, 'Have you said anything yet about the good guy? Because I know you spend so much time with the bad guys.' Because they're fun. So then you have to make the good guy fun, in order to compete. That's the challenge.

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.

I always felt, you don’t have a good time doin crime, you may as well find a job.