At the time I begin writing a novel, the last thing I want to do is follow a plot outline. To know too much at the start takes the pleasure out of di….

My purpose is to entertain and please myself. I feel that if I am entertained, then there will be enough other readers who will be entertained, too..

Using adverbs is a mortal sin..

I don't believe in writer's block or waiting for inspiration. If you're a writer, you sit down and write..

I do have fun writing, and a long time ago, I told myself, 'You got to have fun at this, or it'll drive you nuts.'.

Try not to write the parts that people skip..

What do you tell a man with two black eyes? Nothing, he's already been told twice..

I focus on characters as individuals with attitudes and write each scene from a particular character's point of view. That way, even narrative passag….

My most important piece of advice to all you would-be writers: when you write, try to leave out all the parts readers skip..

There's nothing like work to take your mind off your worries..

Everyone has his own sound. I'm not going to presume how to tell anybody how to write..

I think any writer is a fool if he doesn't do it for money. There needs to be some kind of incentive in addition to the project. It all goes together….

There are cities that get by on their good looks, offer climate and scenery, views of mountains or oceans, rockbound or with palm trees. And there ar….

Not dreams but night changes, not destiny but path changes, always keep your hopes alive, luck may or may not change, but time definitely chages..

I spent most of my dough on booze, broads and boats and the rest I wasted..

If work was a good thing, the rich would have it all and not let you do it..

If it sounds like writing, I rewrite it. Or, if proper usage gets in the way, it may have to go. I can't allow what we learned in English composition….

A man can be in two different places and he will be two different men. Maybe if you think of more places he will be more men, but two is enough for n….

It doesn't have to make sense, it just has to sound like it does..

Don't worry about what your mother thinks of your language..

I never see my bad guys as simply bad. They want pretty much the same thing that you and I want: they want to be happy..