My first job was to run a concessions cart. Later, I found a position at the Pacific Film Archive. Thus began a long series of jobs, each one slightly better than the last, that continued for a decade, until I sold my first novel, and still goes on, even now.

I felt like any other American kid. I already worked at a steady job as an ice cream scooper, but I didn't feel less in any way than my more affluent friends from school.

The more you learn about animals and animal rights - it's an intriguing, fascinating world.

I do have food in my books. Different people eat different ways.

I love Southeast Asia. As a child, I lived in that part of the world. My first time in Burma was in 1958 with my parents.

I would hate for people to think that 'Strong Island' is just about a family's grief. It is about a family's grief, yes, but it is also an interrogation of our criminal justice system.

I go to the pub, hang out with my family - that's pretty much it. I also do a lot of sports when I get the chance. I'm actually a pretty mellow guy.

There couldn't have been a better Hollywood ending for us. It's beyond baseball. It's rooting for your family.