My heroes are those who risk their lives every day to protect our world and make it a better place - police, firefighters and members of our armed forces.

I'm a woman. I have a right to change my mind.

In a novel, on the other hand, you not only have to describe the rooms, but the clothes, the characters and what they are thinking. It's a much more in-depth process

I always spend time exploring the customs and attitudes of the countries I'm using for locations, and interviewing the people who live there. I've visited over 90 countries thus far.

Abraham Lincoln because he was a man filled with great compassion who believed that all men are created free and equal, and was not afraid to stand on that platform. The way Lincoln lived his life has served me well in mine.

I try to give both my heroes and villains an emotional dimensionality which provides the motivation for their actions.

Try to leave the Earth a better place than when you arrived.