The first thing my family did when we moved was join the local church. The second was to go to the library and get library cards.

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.

I learned that lesson a long time ago. When you write popular fiction, you're going to get bashed by critics.

Every morning I wake at 6am or 6.30am, champing at the bit.

I've sold too many books to get good reviews anymore. There's a lot of jealousy, because [reviewers] think they can write a good novel or a best-seller and get frustrated when they can't. I've learned to despise them.

Stephen King reached out to me twenty-five years ago and taught me some valuable lessons. In return, I've tried to be generous with my time over the years with young writers. I've given them my email and said if you need someone to talk to, I've been through it.

Privileged people don't march and protest; their world is safe and clean and governed by laws designed to keep them happy.