I don't think I began to be a professional writer until I learned my weaknesses and what I couldn't do. This forced me to compensate.

It doesn't matter how big the body, it's what you do with it.

My dream was to be known as a writer and to be able to produce at least one book that would be read by people. That dream came true with the publication of my first novel - and all the rest has been a sweet bonus.

Why did the wise guys always accuse other people of being wise guys?

When I write, I never think of segments as chapters; I think of them as scenes. I always visualize them in my mind. Then I try to get the scene down on paper as closely as I can. That's the one thing that readers don't see - what you have in your mind. The reader can only see what you get on the page.

There are no taboos. Every topic is open, however shocking. It is the way that the topics are handled that's important, and that applies whether it is a 15-year-old who is reading your book or someone who is 55.

I'm weary of the battle. But a tired fighter can still be a fighter.