Happy men are grave. They carry their happiness cautiously, as they would a glass filled to the brim which the slightest movement could cause to spill over, or break.

Next to the wound, what women make best is the bandage.

The crimes of extreme civilization are probably worse than those of extreme barbarism, because of their refinement, the corruption they presuppose, and their superior degree of intellectuality.

They had...finished their lives before their death - which is not always the end of life and often comes long before the end.

The artist's morality lies in the force and truth of his description.

Passions are less mischievous than boredom, for passions tend to diminish and boredom increase.

The crimes of extreme civilization are certainly more atrocious than those of extreme barbarism.

I did not want to be taken for a fool-the typical French reason for performing the worst of deeds without remorse.

The struggle for freedom is ultimately not resistance to autocrats or oligarchs but resistance to the despotism of public opinion.

Everything, good or bad, was down to me.

Kids, Madison Avenue is lying to you. Your parents are lying to you. The president is lying to you.

Fashion, n. A despot whom the wise ridicule and obey.

As for suspense, I like to write books that draw you into the hero's plight from the opening pages, where people put their lives on the line for something - a belief, a family member, the truth.

I think that if there can be considered racism it's to do with the lack of opportunities for writers and producers and the people behind the camera.

I like forms that are flexible, that can let you feel creative.

I'm not trying to climb a ladder - I'm casting a bit of a net.

I don't make unconventional stories; I don't make non-linear stories. I like linear storytelling a lot.

I'm a gun owner. I'm a strong second amendment supporter.