I simply write with an intelligent reader in mind. I don't think about how old they are.

You bring up your children to be self-reliant and independent and they double-cross you and become self-reliant and independent.

I can't remember a time when I wasn't trying to get something down on paper.

A new sickness invaded Jerry, the sickness of knowing what he had become, another animal, another beast, another violent person in a violent world, inflicting damage, not disturbing the universe but damaging it.

I am frightened by today's world, terrified by it. I think that comes out in the books. I'm afraid of big things. Some of these schools have three thousand kids, and even the size of the schools frightens me. Big government frightens me; so does big defense.

You have to accept the critical reviews if they treat you with respect. Actually, it's one person's opinion. So, it's a concern but not an overriding one, and I don't stay up nights worrying about reviews. But there are certain people I respect who I hope will like a book.

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