It didn't feel difficult at the time because I was so charged up about both books. Afterward, however, I was pretty tired. In a good way, like after a great workout.

The characters emerge from my rather twisted mind. That's another enjoyable part of the job making stuff up.

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.

It didn't feel difficult at the time because I was so charged up about both books. Afterward, however, I was pretty tired. In a good way, like after a great workout.

Without sounding pompous, I really do feel that I have a set of standards that I must adhere to, even leaving aside considerations of what the readers expect.

To trust someone is to take the greatest risk of all. (180)