I don't mind solitude. I love talking to other people, but I do need my space.

There isn't much discussion of ruling class in America even in Boston, probably one of the most class-conscious cities in the country?

Almost all people have this potential for evil, which would be unleashed only under certain dangerous social circumstances.

Books are the ultimate way for writers to reach immortality.

There isn't much in the way of pure communist spirit, because the whole nation seems to be engaged in capitalistic enterprises. Much of the country still operates under government control.

Often, what you see in the media is driven by economic forces.

After working as a journalist I went to a writing program at Johns Hopkins. It was interesting because it was neither journalistic nor historical, but it emphasized writing style, and afterwards I was asked to write my first book.