I wrote a novel about the combat experiences I didn't have in Vietnam.

At first, I spend about four hours a day writing. Toward the end of a book, I spend up to 16 hours a day on it, because all I want to do is make it good and get it done.

People say you cant teach writing, but I think thats nonsense.

If you live in the same small place long enough, something you don't like is bound to happen

I do believe in God. I think God has given so much power to people, and intelligence, and said, 'Well, you are on your own. Maybe I'm tired, I need a nap. You are mature. Why don't you look after yourselves?' And I think He's been sleeping too much.

When I select a topic, it's usually a commitment of two to three years of my life

That's when I feel most alive, he told me once on an airplane, when I'm helping people.