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How different is each book that you write from the one you had in your head when you began writing?

Pretty different. That's a good thing. Part of writing is trying to reach a stage of Nirvana you can never achieve—and thus, you want to try again.

How do you try to top yourself with each book? Do you feel pressure?

Always. The pressure is self-inflicted though: I want to get better. I want each book to be my best. When I stop wanting that - when I don't feel that pressure anymore — I think I will be in big trouble.

How can you get any writing done while simultaneously raising four kids?

The negatives are obvious, but there are positives too. When I do get the time, I have to focus. I have to concentrate. The kids also understand that this is my job. Other fathers may travel farther to work, but this is what I do. They get that and are pretty understanding.

Is one of your books closest to you personally?

This may sound self-serving but Hold Tight is probably my most personal book. The issues that Mike and Tia have to deal with are ones that my own family is beginning to face. I love the fact that Hold Tight is not only a compulsive page-turner but a story that will linger and that will make you think.

Not really, no. In a sense they are all my children.

When are we going to see Myron Bolitar again?

Can you keep a secret? I think he may be back next year. Shh.

Readers are always interested in how authors decide what kind of book they want to write. Is there anything from your personal experiences that this particular story speaks to -which inspired the setting or characters or situation of this story?

Hold Tight hits close to home so the answer here is a big emphatic YES. Not long ago, friends of mine confessed over dinner that they had put "spyware" on their 15-year-old son's computer so they could monitor all he did online. At first I was repelled at this invasion of privacy. But as I thought more about it, I realized that they had a point — and I had a great idea for novel.

Usually there is something from my real life that I incorporate into the novel.

What are some of the keys to writing thrillers that are so absorbing readers stay up all night to finish them?

To paraphrase Elmore Leonard's wonderful quote on writing: "I try to cut out all the parts you'd normally skip." On every page, every paragraph, every sentence, every word, I ask myself, "Is this compelling? Is this moving the story forward?" It doesn't mean you can't have descriptions or themes—I do—but even those have to draw the reader in and grip them.

What literary character do you most identify with?

Myron Bolitar. That may sound self-serving, but the truth is, most of our series lead characters are us with wish-fulfillment - at least, at the start. As the years have gone by, Myron has become less an alter ego and more a friend. He has also gone through hell and back. I don't think I'd want to change places with him.

What books have changed your life?

Doesn't every book, even crummy ones, do to some extent? Or is that too existential an answer?