I never wanted to be mainstream as a writer, but look at what's happened.

I have no place left to live but in my own heart.

People whose lives are upside down often read fiction. When you're not sure where you'll end up or how you are going to be, and you're looking for some way forward, fiction is a great friend.

In more static societies, like Ireland, you can tell where a person is from by their surname, or where their grandparents are from.

I think you know everything at eight. But is is hidden from you, sealed up, in a way you have to cut yourself open to find.

There's quite a big gap when it comes to that dual identity of mother and child, or even a pregnant woman, or a nursing woman. It kind of begs the question of that very strong Western idea of the individual self.

The way to write a book is to actually write a book. A pen is useful, typing is also good. Keep putting words on the page.