My name recognition has opened doors on the research side. I used to go into crack houses and drug markets and really bad neighborhoods by myself, routinely, and hang out. Sometimes I still do, because I don't want to attract attention. But lately, I've been riding with cops and gaining access to other types of law, like the ATF guys, just because of my name. I guess it's a smarter way to work.

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.

The crime part is the engine that moves the narrative and allows me to write the other things I want to write about.

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 most popular American fiction seems to be about successful people who win, and good crime fiction typically does not explore that world. But honestly, if all crime fiction was quality fiction, it would be taken more seriously.

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

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.