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.

My father brought me my first stack of comics, when I was seven years old and in the hospital. I was not a well child. And that's where my love for comics began.

I think there's something inherently dishonest in trying to go back and mess with the past.

Lord of the Rings, I think, is far and away the most brilliantly done stuff.

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.

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

I try to find what makes even the worst, most despicable character sympathetic at his or her core.