I'm 82 years old, wherever I go everybody knows me, but here's why... I'm a merchandiser, I'm not just a writer, I stay in every avenue you can think of.

The first chapter sells the book; the last chapter sells the next book.

The most important part of a story is the ending. No one reads a book to get to the middle.

I'm actually a softie. Tough guys get killed too early... I've got a full head of hair and don't wear eyeglasses.

Inspiration is an empty bank account.

Mike Hammer drinks beer because I can't spell Cognac.

Nobody reads a book to get to the middle.

If the public likes you, you're good. Shakespeare was a common, down-to-earth writer in his day.

Those big-shot writers ... could never dig the fact that there are more salted peanuts consumed than caviar.

I have no fans. You know what I got? Customers. And customers are your friends.

If I need something, I'll invent it.

Regard mistakes as teachers, not judges!

I think that bold leadership sells.

I want a kinder, gentler nation.

No one ever heard of the truth being enforced by law. When the secular is called in to sustain an idea, whether new or old, it is always a bad idea, and not infrequently it is downright idiotic.

I would work with any one of them again in a heartbeat because it was joyous and incredibly easy.

If we lived in a world with no fear, then you would never discover the courage you have within.

To increase speed you must increase the amount of rest, peace, calmness that you can maintain. That is the secret to playing fast.

so mortals tend to see only what they can understand.

The whole plan hinged upon the natural curiosity of potatoes.

In proportion as we perceive and embrace the truth do we become just, heroic, magnanimous, divine.