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

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

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

I liked the challenge of writing in a very concise structure in which both meaning and form are important.

I've worked for law firms, I've worked for corporations, and for the past 20 years, I've been writing working for myself, and believe me it's a lot better. That's a big part of the James Bond panache, that you're responsible, 100 percent responsible, for the success or failure of your mission in life, whatever it is.

And life changes. Maybe just a little, maybe a lot. And at some point, it just isn't worth the fight to fix it.