I wanted things. Whatever it cost and whatever it took, I would do it. And that's it.

You try to learn who you are. You work hard. You've either got it or you don't when it comes to writing books. And you tend to only get these things if you want them, and want them to the exclusion of everything else.

Our shared world is humanly unquantifiable and ideologically confused. Which one of them is capable of implementing the most recognizable harm or good?

Rock and rollers can get you the youth buzz, and younger people are fanatical readers.

I work within the framework of a very concerted, purely driven Protestant Christian mindset. I had dark early circumstances. I went inward. I have a sturdy will. I have a big heart. I'm a decent guy. And I have a great gift. It's blunted me to the world in many ways.

Joe Wambaugh's a friend. I know him only casually, but I like him a lot. I think he likes my books.

We do. Or re-create the ones we have, and project. My whole life is projection.