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

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 don't practice, but I am still officially in paediatrics. I keep in touch with journals, and I have a very good data bank of medical information and there is a key thing for a writer knowing where to go. I know where to go to get the information that I need.

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

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.

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

Just because others have it worse doesn’t mean you have to suffer in silence.