Time spent researching varies from book to book. Some novels require months, even years of research, others very little. I try to do most of my research before I begin but inevitably questions emerge during the writing.

I would never have been a novelist without working as a psychologist...it was a great education in human nature.

Each novel is harder than its predecessor because I must work harder at not repeating myself. However, I enjoy the challenge. This is the greatest job in the world.

The science of psychotherapy is knowing what to say, the art is knowing when to say it. (36)

All of us are like locks. No matter how strong the bolt, there’s always a key out there that opens it.

His experience and training should have taught him that families are the cauldrons in which violence is brewed. (144)

Optimism is denial for chumps with no life experience". "What's pessimism?" I said. "Religion without God.