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.

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

Collins masterfully blends fact and fiction...transcends the historical thriller.

People with children and people with their own business always pick up a ringing phone.

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

You think publishing is tough but the music world is ten times tougher.

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.