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

Being comfortable isn't the way to learn to expand your abilities.

Yes, in my books I do edit myself to keep from becoming the Village Explainer.

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.

I do want to write about Jane Whitefield again, but only when I have a good enough idea - something I've figured out about her that's news and that's worth a reader's time.

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.

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