But when I do book signings and personal appearances, the audiences are mostly white. Growing up here, I expected that and understand it. Black audiences won't come out for a white writer for the most part. It really is just a fact of life.

I'm a better writer now because I've worked very hard at getting better. My long-range goal will always be to write better books.

The thirst for knowledge is like a piece of ass you know you shouldn't chase; in the end, you chase it just the same.

What's more interesting are the dynamics between people that involve hypocrisy or ignoring each other. That's what I want to write about. I like to make people uncomfortable because it's something we should be uncomfortable about.

Any time you have poverty, joblessness, sub-par public schools, and a lack of opportunity, you're going to have a high rate of crime.

I do have shout-outs to bands and musicians I like in my books, but the musical references can be misunderstood. Often, I have people listening to music that I would never listen to personally, because it fits and defines their character.

I live in a blue-collar neighborhood, and if anyone knows what I do for a living, they don't seem to care.