I had been writing fiction since I was in eighth grade, because I loved it.

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.

I don't consciously do anything to maintain a unique voice.

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.

Much of what we do in life has a huge component of luck.

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