Were there stories I wrote along the way that were terrible clinkers? God, yes. But they were all a product of their time, and I did the best I could.

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

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.

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.

In general, shorter is better. If you can encapsulate your idea into a single captivating sentence, you're halfway home.

There are very few of us, who reach my advanced age, who are still working in the business, as writers. As artists, people can hang out longer.

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.