I am thrilled when I read about fans using my stories as springboards to read about either the historical characters or the myths and legends in the books.

Good collaboration essentially boils down to personalities who work well together and are able to integrate each other's notes and ideas without killing each other.

When you've lived as long as I have, nothing much surprises you.

You need to play to win. But you also need to win ... to play.

Nowadays I find chocolate and/or chocolate-based snacks to be great motivators. Everyone loves chocolate. If someone has a lot of work to do, put a piece of fudge in a glass container (so they can see it) and let them know that if they accomplish their tasks, they can eat the fudge. You'll definitely get a reaction!

I have a huge music library and deliberately choose the piece of music to match the piece I'm writing. So, every book I write has its own "soundtrack."

Coffee is the great incentivizer in the office.