I started off at the high level, in the slick magazines, but they didn't use my name, they used house names. Anyway, then I went downhill to the pulps, then downhill further to the comics.

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.

Not every leader is a philosopher, but each leader should cultivate a philosophical mindset.

The eyes of others my our prisons

This pool is a triumph of imagination. That's how you win at life, Gin. You have to imagine your way through. Never say something can't be done. There's always a solution, even if it's weird.

My theme song is always: "Pay attention to your viewer. Follow them."

When Super Bowl time comes around, I get jealous.

One thing I loved about New Zealand was the indoor/outdoor lifestyle of the place.

To be pregnant has been for me each time the supreme joy ... I was doing the greatest thing in the world without having to do anything -- all I had to do was be.

I like experimenting with different color lip glosses and lipsticks and things like that.

A sympathetic look always makes me feel sorry for myself.

And for him [Kurt Cobain] to do that [suicide] - I didn't like that. I thought that was just wrong. It just sent a bad message to a troubled generation.