I hate the crazy, neurotic characters beyond a certain point.

If a story isn't working, I'm simply unable to finish it. That's what usually tells me something is wrong.

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.

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

I've always been the audience that I wanted to reach, so I write for myself.

I'm a neurotic New York Jew by birth. Creating characters is second nature to me.