The most important lesson my parents taught me is that writing is a job, one that requires discipline and commitment. Most of the time it's a fun job, a wonderful job, but sometimes it isn't, and those are the days that test you.

I had some trepidation about working with someone else, especially a family member. You don't want work to affect your personal relationship.

All writers start out mimicking other writers. I've never relinquished that. I have a good ear for speech and writing patterns.

There was a time, after I earned my graduate degree and before I sold my first novel, when it looked like I might have to get an office job.

Trying to catch hold of yourself is a fool's errand. There is no you, only a series of former yous, created in one instant, deleted in the next.