I had achieved the most important things in my life when I married Joan and had the sons. Given the choice between Joan and the boys, and being a writer, I world give up being a writer without a blink.

I needed to find my way to write. I need about six hours of uninterrupted time in order to produce about two hours of writing, and when I accepted that and found the way to do it, then I was able to write.

Teaching is too strong a word for whatever it was I did at Northeastern University

For David Parker and Daniel Parker, with the respect and admiration of their father, who grew up with them.

Writer's block? I've never heard of a plumber complain about plumber's block.

There can never be any substitute for your own palate nor any better education than tasting the wine yourself.

Both our opinions are rooted in our experience," I said. "Both of them are true, it's just that we've had different experiences.