I heard a quote recently that really struck a chord with me. It goes like this: "In Hollywood, if somebody takes you out to lunch, enjoy the lunch." What exactly does that mean? It means the manager, agent, producer, or director taking you out to lunch is going to blow smoke up your rear end. It means they're going to make all sorts of promises. It means they're going to paint a glowingly rosy picture about things-your project, your career, whatever-when things, in reality, aren't quite that rosy. I know this all sounds a bit harsh, perhaps even a bit grim-but hey, welcome to Hollywood. Bon appétit! Show less «

[on his novel, Luigi's Chinese Delicatessen] Ninety-seven percent of the novel is a work of fiction. No, I'm not telling you which three-percent is true. Show less «

There's this glorious and astounding magic that happens when I put pen to paper or fingertips to keyboard. I go to this alternate realm of consciousness. It's where I meet characters who speak to me, who take me to interesting places, and who introduce me to compelling situations. I'm not certain where any of this comes from because none of it was there when I sat down, when I was convinced I didn't have any words in me. But still, it's all there. So even when the thought of a blank page makes me feel a little queasy, I force myself into that chair anyway. And it's after a minute or two of laying down those once elusive words that I have to wonder what all the fuss was about. The words come; they always do. Show less «

My life isn't about how much I can take from this world. It's not about how much stuff I can amass. I don't need the wide-screen TVs, I don't need overpriced sports cars, I don't need closets full of expensive clothes. My life is about creativity. It's about creating things and putting them out into the world for others to share. If I can entertain people a little, make them laugh a little, make them think a little, perhaps even offer some hope or inspiration...well, I just don't think it gets too much better than that. Show less «

Follow your dreams. Live your dreams. Always.