It's important, I think, for a writer of fiction to maintain an awareness of the pace and shape of the book as he's writing it. That is, he should be making an object, not chattering.

Reading a novel in which all characters illustrate patience, hard work, chastity, and delayed gratification could be a pretty dull experience.

I do try not to spend much time reading in the suspense genre.

I don't have dry seasons, because I don't allow them.

I had been writing fiction since I was in eighth grade, because I loved it.

If I don't have a project going, I sit down and begin to write something - a character sketch, a monologue, a description of some sight, or even just a list of ideas.

Yes, in my books I do edit myself to keep from becoming the Village Explainer.

Much of what we do in life has a huge component of luck.

I do want to write about Jane Whitefield again, but only when I have a good enough idea - something I've figured out about her that's news and that's worth a reader's time.

Contrary to what many writers imply about the process, nobody forces a writer to sell his work to the film industry.

Being comfortable isn't the way to learn to expand your abilities.

These black times go as they come and we do not know how they come or why they go. But we know that God controls them, as he controls the whole vast cobweb of the mystery of things.

Listening to our kids with an open heart & mind is the strongest way to build a relationship with them - especially when they're wrong.

Smooth and ordered on the outside; roiling and chaotic and desperately secretive underneath, but not noticeably so, never noticeably so.

Character is BUILT by repeatedly choosing the best over the easiest.

The waking mind, you see, is the least serviceable in the arts.

It is possible to construct small realities that contain political or philosophical responses, not necessarily just practical or economical responses.

I thought lightning wasn't supposed to strike in the same place twice....sure it does...but only if you're too dumb to move.

As a governor and senator, John Chafee set the standard for honesty and decency that the rest of us on our best days could only dream to emulate.

Everyone had an uncle who tried to steal their nose.

Love is a God, who cooperates in securing the safety of the city.