The writing day can be, in some ways, too short, but it's actually a long series of hours, for months at a time, and there is a stillness there.

There are about as many ways to be dead as there are to be alive. People linger in different ways, both publicly and privately.

Writing is not my problem, it is my solution.

One of the reasons I write is I like being surprised

Nothing had happened yet in my life except the need to get out of it.

If you grow up in Ireland and read books then you really are obliged to attempt your own some time. It is not exactly a choice. I still don't know if I am a writer. Believe me, there are days when I have my doubts.

Try to be accurate about stuff.