I begin with an interest in a relationship, a situation, a character.

Everybody dies … The thing is, to have a life before we die.

I believe in rules of behavior, and I'm quite interested in stories about the consequences of breaking those rules.

More than a half, maybe as much as two-thirds of my life as a writer is rewriting. I wouldn't say I have a talent that's special. It strikes me that I have an unusual kind of stamina.

I have learned that the consequences of our past actions are always interesting; I have learned to view the present with a forward-looking eye.

As it was, things went from bad to worse, as they often will when amateurs are involved in an activity that they perform in bad temper – or in a hurry.

What do Americans know about morality? They don't want their presidents to have penises but they don't mind if their presidents covertly arrange to support the Nicaraguan rebel forces after Congress has restricted such aid; they don't want their presidents to deceive their wives but they don't mind if their presidents deceive Congress- lie to the people and violate the people's constitution!