I've written 17 novels, and I've found out that fiction can't keep up with real life.

I still enjoy the process of writing. If I ever feel like I am going through the motions because I can sell anything at this level, I hope that somebody, somewhere who I trust will tell me to take a break and stop because it's sounding old. But so far, I don't feel like I'm boring anyone.

There's always such a rush to judgment. It makes a fair trial hard to get.

I stopped reading William Faulkner because it's hard work. I want to read a good writer, but I also want to read something where the pages are going to move along. That's what I want. It doesn't have to be a thriller or a mystery. Just something where I get caught up in the story.

The coffee arrives, and we backslide into what lawyers do best---talking about other lawyers.

One thing you really have to watch as a writer is getting on a soapbox or pulpit about anything. You don't want to alienate readers.

If you're gonna be stupid you gotta be tough.