That's the past for you. Not only does it come back at the most unexpected, and inconvenient, times but it's set in stone.

In suspense novels even subplots about relationships have to have conflict.

That's the past for you. Not only does it come back at the most unexpected, and inconvenient, times but it's set in stone.

I think a lot of young aspiring writers get misdirected; they think 'I ought to write this, even though I enjoy reading that'. What you have to do is write what you enjoy reading.

I also try very hard to create characters - both heroes and villains - with psychological depth.

It means working harder to do the research but I don't really mind - I don't think I have what it takes to chase criminals through back alleys and wade through blood at crime scenes.

I was editor of my high school literary magazine and a reporter for the school newspaper.