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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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