The research is the easiest. The outline is the most fun. The first draft is the hardest, because every word of the outline has to be fleshed out. The rewrite is very satisfying.

In both cases, weakness and scruples had defeated strength and ruthlessness.

A very good editor is almost a collaborator.

There is no point in asking a man a question until you have established whether he has any reason to lie to you.

I started writing stories in my spare time.

I aim to be translucent, so you don't notice the words, just their meaning. I haven't much insight into people's motivations.

When you've lost everything, you've got nothing to lose.