These people are real to me, and situations keep coming up where their emergence feels natural. It's like meeting old friends. I hope readers feel the same way.

Life is like a prism. What you see depends on how you turn the glass.

All of us are like locks. No matter how strong the bolt, there’s always a key out there that opens it.

The science of psychotherapy is knowing what to say, the art is knowing when to say it. (36)

The characters emerge from my rather twisted mind. That's another enjoyable part of the job making stuff up.

It didn't feel difficult at the time because I was so charged up about both books. Afterward, however, I was pretty tired. In a good way, like after a great workout.

To trust someone is to take the greatest risk of all. (180)

Therapist’s dilemma: those who need help the most, run the farthest from it.

Optimism is denial for chumps with no life experience". "What's pessimism?" I said. "Religion without God.

Just because others have it worse doesn’t mean you have to suffer in silence.

I would never have been a novelist without working as a psychologist...it was a great education in human nature.

I’m not punishing you.’ ‘No?’ ‘No. You’d know if I was. Trust me.

Stories are meant to comfort the afflicted, and afflict the comfortable.

There is nothing in man or nature that does not ask questions.

I don't think there is such a thing as being too raunchy when it comes to the art form of burlesque.

I am a person who recognizes the fallacy of humans.

Boldness comes from curiosity.

If you are running a city you must focus on day-to-day problems.

I spent my life - all my life - learning to wrestle. It's the only means of livelihood I've ever had and, uh, the only gimmick that I have in wrestling is wrestling.

Aren’t you ever satisfied? I swear if I were mortal, I’d be limping from our last go-round. If not dead. We really need to find you a hobby other than jumping on top of me. (Acheron)

Australians don't have a preconceived notion of what things have to be... we can go on a fantastic journey.