Description is hard. Remember that all description is an opinion about the world. Find a place to stand.

Only bad writers think that their work is really good.

No woman that I know is capable of leaving her child down for thirty seconds. She can't walk away without making sure that everything is absolutely as secure and safe for her child as can be.

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.

I find being Irish quite a wearing thing. It takes so much work because it is a social construction. People think you are going to be this, this, and this.

I have a small room to write in. One wall is completely covered in books. And I face the window with the curtain closed to stop the light hitting the computer.

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.