I write in my study, where I also have my prayer altar. I believe that keeps me focused and gives me positive energy and reminds me that I'm merely the instrument of greater creative forces.

Often, writer's block will occur when I don't understand a character or his/her motivations. So I will make notes analysing characters.

I type everything on my computer. I carry a writer's notebook everywhere, in case I am struck by an idea. I forget things unless I write them down. I'm planning to learn how to dictate into my cellphone; I think that will be very helpful, too.

I write best late at night, when everyone in the house has gone to bed. There's something magical about that late night silence that appeals to me.

To some extent, I draw on what I see around me; in other places, I imagine what I write.

India lends itself well to fictionalization, but ultimately, it all depends on the writer's imagination.

I hate it when people throw away food - I've seen too many hungry people.

I'm too careful with money - comes out of being poor for several years while growing up.

To make money for college, I worked in our college dining room.

Two great and terrible truths of war are these: War is easy to enter into, but difficult to end. And ultimately, in war there are no winners.