The built-in form is a window frame. You can use this genre [crime fiction] to go where you want to go, and explore what you want to explore. In some ways it gives you a lot of freedom because you have a framework readers are looking for.

What is important is not what you hear said, it's what you observe.

I view people two ways. They're either eye-for-an-eye people or they are turn-the-cheek people.

I'm always looking at ways of shaking up the writing experience because I think it helps.

...it is how a person goes about quenching his desires or living with them unrequited that the readers get a glimpse of his true character.

Don't go growing a conscience on me," I said. "I've been down that road. It doesn't lead you to anything good.

I don't miss being a reporter as a job, but I do miss the everyday interaction with the front line of law enforcement. I still have a cadre of cops who keep me up to date, but I don't have the access I used to.