I am very lucky that I get to tell stories for a living. I love being able to grab people's attention, to keep them turning the pages, to make them stay awake all night. I want to stir the pulse, yes, but also to stir the heart. I hope 'The Woods' does that.

You know, people call mystery novels or thrillers 'puzzles.' I never understood that, because when I buy a puzzle, I already know what it is. It's on the box. And even if I don't, if it's a 5,000-piece puzzle of the 'Mona Lisa', it's not like I put the last piece in and go, 'I had no idea it's the 'Mona Lisa'!'

You want this so badly—this second chance, this chance at real redemption—that you can’t see the truth.

Sometimes the loudest cries for help are silent.

You bring your own weather to the picnic.

I would rather raise certain topics and maybe let you ruminate on them. I'm not big on answering them.

I always think the insecurity is going to go away, but it's always there. Only bad writers think they're good.