A work of fiction is conceived very much the same way as a dream occurs in the mind of a sleeper. But a lot of it is imagination. It's not based on real people.

A work of fiction is conceived very much the same way as a dream occurs in the mind of a sleeper.

I don't like writing with real people in mind.

Sinatra created a kind of magic. You want those people to be part of your life.

I do spend money. I like to spend money, on houses - on furnishing houses. And I love to give presents to people. It's just in my nature to be that way. I always spent money I had. And I always spent what I made. I'm not stingy.

Much historical fiction that centers on real people has always been deficient in information, lacking in craft and empty in affect.