Once you have invented a character with three dimensions and a voice, you begin to realize that some of the things you'd like him to do to further your plot are things that such a person wouldn't, or couldn't, do.

Quote by Thomas Perry

Topics: Thomas Perry Quotes

The characters you refer to as predatory and unsavory are useful. They're the ones who...

The characters you refer to as predatory and unsavory are useful. They're the ones who...

But at the same time, the commonplace statement about them is true: every character is...

But at the same time, the commonplace statement about them is true: every character is...

All writers are mimics, and I'm not interested in picking up somebody else's style or...

All writers are mimics, and I'm not interested in picking up somebody else's style or...

I do try not to spend much time reading in the suspense genre.

I do try not to spend much time reading in the suspense genre.

You have very accurately described the difficulty of presenting my books on film: many of...

You have very accurately described the difficulty of presenting my books on film: many of...

Yes, in my books I do edit myself to keep from becoming the Village Explainer.

Yes, in my books I do edit myself to keep from becoming the Village Explainer.

If you'll think about various series you've read, can you think of any instance in...

If you'll think about various series you've read, can you think of any instance in...

Being comfortable isn't the way to learn to expand your abilities.

Being comfortable isn't the way to learn to expand your abilities.

I don't think the problem is that people don't read enough mystery books, but that...

I don't think the problem is that people don't read enough mystery books, but that...

I had been writing fiction since I was in eighth grade, because I loved it.

I had been writing fiction since I was in eighth grade, because I loved it.

I do like to explore evil characters in my books.

I do like to explore evil characters in my books.

When I write a book, I'm making it the best book I can.

When I write a book, I'm making it the best book I can.

I think we did a great job of putting together a program that would have...

I think we did a great job of putting together a program that would have...

I do hope to bring Jane Whitefield back before too long.

I do hope to bring Jane Whitefield back before too long.

I don't consciously do anything to maintain a unique voice.

I don't consciously do anything to maintain a unique voice.

If I don't have a project going, I sit down and begin to write something...

If I don't have a project going, I sit down and begin to write something...

There are days when I intentionally don't write. For instance, I never write when I'm...

There are days when I intentionally don't write. For instance, I never write when I'm...

Contrary to what many writers imply about the process, nobody forces a writer to sell...

Contrary to what many writers imply about the process, nobody forces a writer to sell...

What I look for in any character, good or bad, is whether I can hear...

What I look for in any character, good or bad, is whether I can hear...

I do want to write about Jane Whitefield again, but only when I have a...

I do want to write about Jane Whitefield again, but only when I have a...