These days, it seems that if you're not already in place, you can't get there from here.

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

Sometimes you're not even sure which of your stories were failures. There are things I've written that I thought were complete catastrophes when I finished with them that have gone on to generate some of my most positive feedback.

It's all about who's where on the food chain. When I'm the story editor, I expect my writers to follow my vision. When I'm working for another editor, I'm obliged to follow their vision.

I try not to violate what came before me and to leave lots of wiggle room for those who will follow.

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've never sat down and thought about the difference between plot and theme. To me, that's never been important.