I do have to earn a living, so I'm conscious of probable reactions from readers, but the most important one is still the awareness that if I'm not enjoying a story, the reader won't either.

I held a variety of jobs - most notably ten years working in universities - and kept on writing.

But at the same time, the commonplace statement about them is true: every character is the hero of his own story. Each has a justification for his actions that is convincing to him. It's fun to give these people voices.

All writers are mimics, and I'm not interested in picking up somebody else's style or voice.

What I look for in any character, good or bad, is whether I can hear him speak. If I can imagine him that clearly, then I can write about him.

I do like to explore evil characters in my books.

Contrary to what many writers imply about the process, nobody forces a writer to sell his work to the film industry.