Though my books are written from a historical perspective, I have goon so far back that I am in the realm of prehistorical speculation rather than simple historical fact to weave my stories around.

You learn to write by writing, and by reading and thinking about how writers have created their characters and invented their stories. If you are not a reader, don't even think about being a writer.

Life sometimes gets in the way of writing.

She lifted the drooping muzzle with both hands...It was a special embrace saved for special occasions.

Life is neither static nor unchanging. With no individuality, there can be no change, no adaptation and, in an inherently changing world, any species unable to adapt is also doomed.

I think of my books as mainstream and that's were most people who read them look for them in book stores.

Of the two, I would think of my work as closer to Science Fiction than Fantasy.

I have heard Science Fiction and Fantasy referred to as the fiction of ideas, and I like that definition, but it's the mainstream public that chooses my books for the most part.

I don't write for publishers, certainly not for critics, and not for readers, But I am delighted that so many people have found my books enjoyable and want to continue to read them.

From the beginning, when I first got an idea for a story and wondered if I could write it, it has always been the story that has driven me.

No, my publisher has always done the marketing.

I kept waiting for the part where I’d finally know who I was — some flashing, neon moment of relief, but it never came.

If you start to take Vienna take Vienna.

I've never had any prima donna attitude against me. It's always been very respectful.

I've made this conscious decision to tell people on the street when I think they're wearing something great. If more people did that, the world would be a better place.

Being a publicist is like management in a lot of ways - you're their friend, you're their mother, you're their confidante.

What the artist owes the world is his work; not a model for living.

Accept these grateful tears...For thee they flow, for thee... That ever felt another's woe.

You don't always win your battles, but it's good to know you fought.

Everything I am, everything I'll ever be, I owe to my family, to God's grace and to the people of Indiana.

I've learned not to look a gift horse in the mouth. Why you would want to look any horse the mouth considering how infrequently they brush is beyond me.