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Q: Is that really your dog in the photo, or did you just rent him to make people think you were a kind, caring person?

A: He's my sister's dog, Rusty. If I had wanted people to think I was a kind, caring person, I would have rented a baby.

Q: Who told you that you were a writer and why did you believe them?

A: The blame for that would rest squarely on my sister's shoulders. After she read the first draft of my first novel, her words were, "It's pretty bad, but it has potential." You can see that I was completely rewarded for my months of work. I believed her because I was very tired.

Q: What kind of research do you do in order to ensure the accuracy of your books?

A: A lot, unless it's fiction. Then, I make stuff up.

Q: What writers do you read? Who are your favorites?

A: Jane Austen, Lawrence Block, Dennis Lehane, Minette Walters and Donna Tartt come to mind. There are many others who I'll think of later and be sorry I didn't put on here.

Q: Who were your early influences?

A: Alcohol, Jane Austen, rock & roll, sex and drugs -- listed in order of importance.

Q: How did you first get published?

A: The way all pathetic, hopeless and desperate writers get published: unwarranted persistence.

Q: Is it possible for you to be serious about anything?

A: What makes you think I'm not being serious?

Q: Do you have any advice on getting published?

A: I already told you. Persistence. If you don't got it, get it.