I'm a country boy. I hate New York. But that's where things happen, so I use it as a base for stories, I know enough about it. But I have to keep going back there.

The first chapter sells the book; the last chapter sells the next book.

The most important part of a story is the ending. No one reads a book to get to the middle.

I'm actually a softie. Tough guys get killed too early... I've got a full head of hair and don't wear eyeglasses.

Inspiration is an empty bank account.

Mike Hammer drinks beer because I can't spell Cognac.

Nobody reads a book to get to the middle.

If the public likes you, you're good. Shakespeare was a common, down-to-earth writer in his day.

Those big-shot writers ... could never dig the fact that there are more salted peanuts consumed than caviar.

I have no fans. You know what I got? Customers. And customers are your friends.

If I need something, I'll invent it.

The art of filmmaking is the most influential form of art that has ever existed throughout the history of human artistic endeavors.

You fell in love with a storm. Did you really think you would get out unscathed?

Slow and steady wins the race, only and only if the rabbit, competent, sleeps a while. But, fast and consistency always win it, even if rabbit is awaken.

Princess, the contents of your shoe closet would break the budgets of a lot of third world countries - Jake Malone

...up to no good—and pleased about it.

Life is a very emotional experience.

I used to be able to write five pages a day, every day, no problem. Now a good day is five or four pages, and that's from 9:30 A.M. until 6 P.M.

A "communist/socialist/progressive" is an oxymoron, like an "atheist/evangelical Christian/Muslim."

I'm not a shill for the Democratic Party.

The game replaces sexual enjoyment by pleasure in movement.