Anybody who knew me growing up calls me Vinny.

And when I go around and talk to schools, what I tell the kids are, first of all, you have to accept each other's differences. Some of you are going to be a crappy football player, some of you are going to be a great mathematician. Whatever it is, accept each other's differences and help prop each other up.

I'm a big believer in free enterprise. If people want to try it, then go for it.

A major theme in all my books is that the CIA is not only the first line of defense but they should also be the first line of offense.

People who think God is on their side are capable of the most inhumane acts. (Petrov)

If you're not busy living, you're dying.

I am a huge fan of Alan Furst. Furst is the best in the business--the most talented espionage novelist of our generation.