One novel that I think is an overriding influence in my life is 'All the King's Men,' the most beautiful book written in the U.S.

As for suspense, I like to write books that draw you into the hero's plight from the opening pages, where people put their lives on the line for something - a belief, a family member, the truth.

I read somewhere that every life is the story of a single mistake, and then what happens after.

Remember that the most beautiful things in the world are the most useless.

Wagner has lovely moments but awful quarters of an hour.

No person who is enthusiastic about his work has anything to fear from life.

I am afraid we must make the world honest before we can honestly say to our children that honesty is the best policy.

I got hooked on espresso when I visited Italy at 18, but these days I prefer a 'flat white.' It's like a small latte with less milk - they're popular in Australia.

Confidence is simply that quiet assured feeling you have before you fall flat on your face.

I didn't really have an act per se - a theatrical performance, as opposed to just: here I am, folks, and you're all supposed to be dead quiet while I sing eight or nine songs, then get off the stage.

Hollywood desires money but they could not stand the political content.

I think what I'm trying to build is a reputation for evolving and for change. Because of the rate of information that we have access to at this point, it's almost hard not to be ever-growing.

I am me and I am okay.