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

I do write my manuscripts by hand, in pencil on legal pads. Then they are typed on a word processor by my typist.

I turned to the Times crossword puzzle and asked Kate, “What’s the definition of a moderate Arab?” “I don’t know.” “A guy who ran out of ammunition.

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.

There is no terra incognito left.

I think it's more difficult now to write a spy thriller with the collapse of the Soviet Union. Many authors have tried, but few have succeeded in capturing the interest of readers.

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.