I like to think I’ve written something worth reading when I cry the tears of the characters.

Writing is more about telling other peoples' stories than your own

There is just too much cruelty, selfishness and corruption in the world not to want to crush the poisonous will of those who cause it by writing about it as powerfully as I can.

When I write, it feels like there are two little creatures that sit on each of my shoulders. One whispers, "You can do this. You've got what it takes." The other sounds like my mother-in-law.

...the secret to writing is to get your own pain - shout it out till it hurts your throat - weep it into your pillow - then write it down ...

Words are the bones. Writing is the lungs. Reading is like breathing.