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.

Writing doesn't leave much time for hobbies, unless you consider that I began writing as a hobby and have made the hobby into a profession.

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.

I've always been fascinated by the Gold Coast. The homes themselves are spectacular, unlike anything you'll see other than in Newport, Bar Harbor or Palm Beach. It's a very special area that, because of local demographics, is not going to survive much longer.

I generally unwind by having dinner with close friends.

I have no plans to use the Internet as the main subject of a novel.

Chemical and biological attacks are scary and will kill a lot of people but dont rise to the level of nuclear.