I used the pen name because I knew I wanted to write better novels under my own name someday.

It's much different today than it was during the Cold War. The CIA is not the subject of many books anymore. But that might change, because of international terrorism and Red China.

I had a very strong desire to be successful at something.

I like the process of pencil and paper as opposed to a machine. I think the writing is better when it's done in handwriting.

Everyone looked pensive, which is good cover-up for clueless.

You have to go out of your way as a suspense novelist to find situations where the protagonists are somewhat helpless and in real danger.

I try to use short sentences, short paragraphs and short chapters to keep the reader's interest.