Where I came from, no one was a writer.

I feel like a centrist, an issue-specific person. I'm pretty conservative fiscally and pretty liberal on social issues.

I'm a member of the Pacific Council on International Policy.

The novel remains a very special form for me.

Doing good stuff or stuff that you are proud of takes time and takes effort.

I've always wanted to write a novel. It's overwhelming and daunting, and it's one of those things that every writer fantasizes about doing.

I have a ways to go as a novelist. But what's great is, well, I frankly enjoyed the solitude. And I enjoyed being able to tell characters what to say and do without negotiating with an actor.