My father was Catholic, my mother was Protestant, and because of that I got Christened in both churches, so I've got all these names... but my Dad always called me Mick.

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.

If you love someone, you're not supposed to want them to come back. Better a peaceful sleep in the earth than the life of a zombie--not really dead but not really alive, either.

Don't be afraid to question. Don't be afraid to get fired. Don't be afraid to be wrong.

My God is better than your God

When you know you have a certain amount of work to finish, you just don't allow yourself to get sick again.

So much is said with the electricity of the eyes, the intensity of a whisper. Less is more.

My goal would be trying to bring some light to the world, which is often a dark and violent place.

I've always tried to make sure that what I do really connects with the broader agenda of what my husband is trying to do.

Hollywood has an obligation to watch what they put out there. Kids do imitate what they see - good or bad.

I find it really weird that sexuality is still so taboo in films and violence isn't. It really bewilders me.

...telephone operators now routinely use '80s-babble, chirping, "Have a nice day," the moral equivalent of the smile button.