I would like to think that as a result of not just my own experiences, but at least being empathetic and compassionate about other people's experiences and plights and tragedies, that I am affected by it and learn from it.

I used to get a lot of letters from prisoners. It used to get on my nerves. Especially family members. Everybody's innocent.

You've been killing me inside and I don't want to die like this.

I take what people feel and think, especially when it's different from, very seriously, and I find it liberating.

I was tired of chasing ghosts, hollow men who were outside my comfort zone, men who had nothing to give me except a rush. It was all I asked for, and all I ever got.

As far as young kids go, my primary interest is to get parents to read to their kids. That’s about the most you can do, I think.

I try to create characters that I am fascinated by on some level or intrigued by or can't stand.