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

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.

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.

I dont like any of them, because they don't read the books. In Kiss Me Deadly my story is better than his story. Anthony Quinn played in The Lond Wait and he didn't read the book either.

Worst decision is when you have decided but still it doesn’t satisfy you in hell lot of ways and you long to go back in time to fix it. It is so expensive to afford a wrong decision.

The thing generally raised on city land is taxes.

Life has had to deal with environmental change, especially climate change, since the beginning of its existence on Earth.

I've already had to wait so long." "How long?" Luce asked. "Not so long that I've forgotten that you're worth everything. Every sacrifice. Every pain.

Which weakness shall I tell her? “I walk funny,” I say, and she’s satisfied with that. (inside joke)

There's only one racing strategy that matters.It's the one I run by: Get in the lead and don't let anyone pass you.

Your best friend is the one who tells you the most truth.

Madrid is what I call home, but also the States.

The more basic the color, the more inward, the more pure.

For most people who write, writing is a compulsion. If I could be healed of it, I would, and I think a lot of people who write feel the same way.