What I'm always trying to do with every book is to recreate the effect of the stories we heard as children in front of campfires and fireplaces - the ghost stories that engaged us.

I told him to buy land, my mum says, they’re not making it anymore.

Yes, terrible things happen, but sometimes those terrible things - they save you.

Big Brother isn’t watching. He’s singing and dancing. He’s pulling rabbits out of a hat. Big Brother’s busy holding your attention every moment you’re awake. He’s making sure you’re always distracted. He’s making sure you’re fully absorbed.

I wish I had the courage not to fight and doubt everything... I wish, just once, I could say, 'This. This is good enough. Just because I choose it.

By the time you're thirty, your worst enemy is yourself.

You are not a beautiful and unique snowflake... This is your life, and it's ending one minute at a time.