In general, I think, less is more, and that if a reader stops reading because a book is too icky then I've failed in my obligation to the readers.
You think publishing is tough but the music world is ten times tougher.
Collins masterfully blends fact and fiction...transcends the historical thriller.
In other words, the people who populate my books are more than caricatures.
I spend about eight months researching and outlining my book.
Trying to write books with a subject matter or in a genre or style you're not familiar with is the best way to find the Big Block looming.