My books are primarily plot driven but the best plot in the world is useless if you don't populate them with characters that readers can care about.

In the shaded portions where the two spheres of different lives meet, certain fundamentals- moods, loves, fears, angers- can't be hidden. That's the contract.

I've often said that there's no such thing as writer's block; the problem is idea block. When I find myself frozen-whether I'm working on a brief passage in a novel or brainstorming about an entire book-it's usually because I'm trying to shoehorn an idea into the passage or story where it has no place.

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

I spend about eight months researching and outlining my book.

I've often said that there's no such thing as writer's block, the problem is idea block

We have years to converse with someone, to blurt and rant, to explain our desires and anger and regrets - and oh how we squander those moments.