Amazon.com: How did you begin writing? Did you intend to become an author, or do you have a specific reason or reasons for writing each book?

J.M.: Was in advertising, NYC. One night on the bar car I decided to take a year off and try to write a book. Never looked back. Just published my 10th.

Amazon.com: What authors do you like to read? What book or books have had a strong influence on you or your writing?

J.M.: I read non-fiction mostly. Otherwise I've read everything by Dickens (most of it twice) and by Irwin Shaw, because he was a mensch, and all the Balzac I can find because of his eye for narrative detail.

Amazon.com: Could you describe the mundane details of writing: How many hours a day do you devote to writing? Do you write a draft on paper or at a keyboard (typewriter or computer)? Do you have a favorite location or time of day (or night) for writing? What do you do to avoid--or seek!--distractions?

J.M.: I start between four and five AM. Usually write four hours, except during last two months of finishing a book, at which point it's virtually 'round the clock. I go to bed, of course, but am soon dreaming about the book. That wakes me and I get back into it until my head bangs against the keyboard. I work on a WP. Re distractions, getting up at 4 AM tends to minimize them.

Amazon.com: Do you meet your readers at book signings, conventions, or similar events? Do you interact with your readers electronically through e-mail or other online forums?

J.M.: Quite a few book-signings and conventions. A few people readeers have contacted me via e-mail. Am not sure how they found me. Told you...I'm new at this.

Amazon.com: When and how did you get started on the Net? Do you read any newsgroups such as rec.arts.books and rec.arts.sf.written, mailing lists, or other on-line forums? Do you use the Net for research--or is it just another time sink? Are you able to communicate with other writers or people you work with over the Net?

J.M.: None of the above.