I wanted to live the life my characters were living, so I rented a yacht and sailed from Naples to Capri before taking a helicopter back. Got to write the whole thing off as research on my taxes.
Show me one single patriot who has ever been in Barack Obama's life in any position of influence. You can't do it... Barack Obama detests this nation as founded. He has zero respect for the founding documents.
There are writers who go their whole lives and never hit that No. 1 spot.
The Afghans I met were some of the nicest and most honorable people I've ever encountered. There is a code called 'Pashtunwali,' so if someone invites you into their village, every last man will fight to protect your life. I was impressed by that.
I have been blessed to have had many excellent teachers. The further I get away from school, though, the more I realize that the greatest teachers in my life have come from outside of academia.