How do you solve a mystery? How do you write a book? The techniques for starting both are surprisingly similar. Find an intriguing question and, pen and dagger tucked under cloak, search for clues.

The feat of surviving is directly related to the capacity of the survivor.

I was haunted by a bear attack that happened in Algonquin Park in 1991. The problem was that I dont believe in ghosts, so that ruled out an exorcism. My other choice was to start writing.

I would get a lot of writing done if I lived in isolation in a cave under a swamp.

The body needs food, warmth and water, but your heart needs more.

A young woman hiking alone in the mountains sounds dangerous. In the pre-cell phone era maybe it was, but Ill stop short of calling it foolish.

Parents spend a lot of time talking over kids. My son went through a vocabulary burst as I was writing The Bear. I thought, What if I just stopped and listened?

I love the Internet, and I love wasting time on the Internet - even though it sometimes ends up being not being a waste of time.

I like situations that push a character to the edge.

Someday I must read this scholar Everyone. He seems to have written so much--all of it wrong.

Your own opinion of your state is not worth much. Ask the Lord to search you.

One can learn anything, anything at all, I thought, if provided by a gifted and passionate teacher.

Can a rose survive in winter?

Every day were saying, 'How can we keep this customer happy?' How can we get ahead in innovation by doing this, because if we don't, somebody else will.

If you don't think drugs have done good things for us, then take all of your records, tapes and CD's and burn them.

I was born and bred in Coventry. I played for the club as well, so that's where my liaisons lie.

Personal chemistry forges the way for musical chemistry.

I don't think you should criticize people's music because maybe it just isn't for you.

If this is a blessing, it is certainly very well disguised.