What is the best thing that I love about my work? I love that my books have touched reader’s hearts all over the world. And it doesn’t hurt that I can work whenever I want, as long as my muse isn’t AWOL.

What is my idea of perfect happiness? I don’t believe that happiness or anything else can ever be perfect, but a really productive writing session gives me what I call a “writer’s high.”

What is my greatest fear? My greatest fear is “The Big Sleep.” My second biggest is the possibility of contracting Stage 4 Writer’s block.

What is the trait that I most deplore in myself? I deplore that I am, without a doubt, my toughest critic. Then again, maybe that’s a good thing.

What is my greatest extravagance? An occasional trip to a gambling casino and yanking the arm of a slot machine. Other that rare extravagance my wants are small.

On what occasion would I lie? I have no room for liars. The only time I might ever lie would be when the truth would deeply hurt someone.

What is the influence of role models, in my work and in my life? I’ve been an Ernest Hemingway aficionado for a good many years now. I’ve actually had the good fortune of having my writing style likened to his a few times.

What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work? Without a doubt, writing a three paragraph description of an 80,000-word novel I’ve put almost a year of my life into.

When and where was I the happiest, in my work? I’m happiest at my work right here in front of my keyboard—when I type the words “The End”.

If I could, what would I change about myself? As I alluded to in an earlier question, I wish I’d be less critical of my work.

What is my greatest achievement in work? Any day that I can sit down, find 1500 of the right words, and punch, scratch and kick them into lining up just right is an great achievement for me.

What is my most inspirational location, in my city? The most inspirational place in my small, mountain town is in my bed. When I lie down to go to sleep, my best “novel” ideas sometimes float into my head seemingly out of nowhere.

What is my favorite place to eat and drink, in my city? I’m not big on going out to eat. I’d just as soon sip a few beers at home in the afternoons, and have dinner here at 5.

Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime? Definitely my wife. She is an indefatigable inspiration, and her relentless encouragement keeps me motivated.

Whom would I like to work with in the future? Martin Scorsese or Oliver Stone. Many, many readers have said that my books are very cinematic, and I think Scorsese or Stone could really bring them to life on the big screen.

What project, in the nearby future, am I looking forward to work on? I think my memoirs would make one heck of book. I’d just have to be prepared to do a lot of bleeding on the pages as I wrote them.

How can you contact me? The best way to contact me is to “friend” me on Facebook and then message me there.