The bottom line always remains the same: What is the basic humanity of the character? How do I make them resonate with the reader?

I consider myself the luckiest man in the world. I have spent a lifetime doing what I love.

What makes a story is how well it manages to connect with the reader, the visceral effect it has.

I think every time you take a female character, a black character, a Hispanic character, a gay character, and make that the point of the character, you are minimalizing the character.

When I submitted samples, I had only written stories to give myself something to draw. I was told, "The art is good, but not quite professional yet. But, I like the writing." I've been a writer for almost a half a century. It's very cool.

People who were more concerned with themselves and looking good to their readers then they were with the characters sacrificed a series for the sake of a story.

I've had editors over the years who couldn't find a clue if it was stapled to their butt.