The same way that some people can play the piano, I can do plots! They just come!

I get some of my ideas from watching my three daughters, but most of them come from my own memories of growing up. I can remember how romantic I was, not just about love, but romance in the classic sense - the romantic ideals: of honor and truth, of loyalty, sacrifice and fairness. Those were the elements that made a story satisfying to me.

Some people play the piano, some do Sudoku, some watch television, some people go out to dinner parties. I write books.

I developed a passion for the Middle Ages the same way some people develop a passion for coconuts.

Some people are just born to cook and talk.

I can tell you that I'd rather be kissed by my dogs than by some people I've known.