The truth of the matter is, you lose a parent to murder when you're 10 years old, and in fact at the time of the murder you hate your lost parent, my mother in my case.

I like to be alone so I can write. But focus can hurt you. I don't want to be some stress casualty in early middle age.

I don't think I came out of anybody. I think I developed out of the influences I described in My Dark Places. American history, L.A. of the 1950s. I'm comfortable with that.

I don't feel in any way obligated to remain current with the culture. I feel no social obligation whatsoever. I trust my morality in the narrow path I trek through the world as I work.

I like to have fun out there. I work hard, and then I get to cut loose and go out and tour, and I enjoy it. I like to go out and meet the people. I love to sell books.

[Raymond] Chandler, I reread him, and there's a lot of bad writing there. I don't think he knew much about people.

To me, there's nothing on earth other than women. It's why I get out of bed every morning.