It's what every writer needs: a daybed.

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.

I just look at what's going on in the world.

When I was writing my first novel a friend told me I should apply for a grant from the government that was offered to support starving artists. I can't tell you how much this deeply offended me. I told her in very clear language that I thought it was ridiculous to think that other Americans ought to pay for me to chase my dream. Anybody who understands pride and self-determination gets this. So I bartended at night, I wrote during the day, and I paid for my own damn insurance. I didn't expect anybody else to pick it up for me.

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

Have you ever heard the phrase, it is better to keep your mouth closed and have people wonder if you are stupid than open it and remove all doubt? (Hakim al Harbi)