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.

When I write a book, I'm making it the best book I can.

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

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

If I don't have a project going, I sit down and begin to write something - a character sketch, a monologue, a description of some sight, or even just a list of ideas.

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

If you'll think about various series you've read, can you think of any instance in which, say, the tenth volume of the series is notably better than the first nine? I can't.