Quote

I'm writing about real things. Real people. Real characters. You have to believe what I write about is true or you wouldn't pay any attention at all. Sometimes it's me, or a composite of me and other people. Sometimes it's not me at all.

As a writer, my only responsibility is to tell a compelling story.

The idea that you're not a writer until you're published is a lie.

Don't try to write what other people are writing - write what is true to you.

Novel-writing is a bit like deception. You lie as little as you possibly can. That's the way I do it, anyway.

Most of the press is sent to my publicist so I do see most of what is written about me.

Every newspaper on earth has called me a liar.

I live my life like anybody else, and people choose to write about mine. And what they write I can't control - when they write lies at least - because the laws can't really protect you unless you can prove malicious intent. So I just choose not to read it.

My true nature, I believe, is writing.

My assignment is what every writer's assignment is: tell the truth of his own time.