I like to have fun out there. I work hard, and then I get to cut loose and go out and tour, and I enjoy it. I like to go out and meet the people. I love to sell books.

Anybody who doesn't know that politics is crime has got a few screws loose.

I would like to provoke ambiguous responses in my readers.

Tell me anything. Tell me everything. Revoke our time apart. Love me fierce in danger.

L.A.: Come on vacation, go home on probation.

Cats gotta scratch. Dogs gotta bite. I gotta write.

I am a writer. I could not afford to take 15 months off from my writing career to play detective.

Some men get the world, some men get ex-hookers and a trip to Arizona. You're in with the former, but my God I don't envy the blood on your conscience.

I've been tremendously moved by a bunch of odd books. Ross McDonald is very important to me. I love the Lew Archer books.

I love thinking about American history, thinking about LA history. I love brooding on crime.

I learn things late-and only the hard way.

How a Plain horse and wagon on Mulberry Street, Grows into a story Thet no one can beat

Sunrise, sunset, changes right before my eyes, but your vision stays forever in my heart

There are one hundred men seeking security to one able man who is willing to risk his fortune.

Certainly I believe in luck. How else do you explain the success of those you don't like?

Come cook food with me and do nothing.

Ye are ugly? Well then, my brethren, take the sublime about you, the mantle of the ugly!

In the battle between logic and crazy, crazy always wins.

I hate record labels. They think they know everything. I want to hear them try to sing it.

Always take hold of things by the smooth handle.

All makers must leave room for the acts of the spirit. But they have to work hard and carefully, and wait patiently, to deserve them.