We are here to witness. There is nothing else to do with those mute materials we do not need. Until Larry teaches his stone to talk, until God changes his mind, or until the pagan gods slip back to their hilltop groves, all we can do with the whole inhuman array is watch it.

I had good innings, as the British say. I wrote for 38 years at the top of my form, and I wanted to quit on a high note.

A schedule defends from chaos and whim. A net for catching days.

The world knew you before you knew the world.

A schedule is a mock-up of reason and order - willed, faked, and so brought into being.

The novel is a game or joke shared between author and reader.

I worked so hard all my life, and all I want to do now is read.