We have to make mistakes, its how we learn compassion for others

I always worried someone would notice me, and then when no one did, I felt lonely.

I think there is still pressure to marry. I think there is still pressure to have children. If you're middle or upper class, those pressures exist at a later age now.

Personally, I have never wished I were a male novelist.

There are people we treat wrong and later we're prepared to treat other people right. Perhaps this sounds mercenary, but I feel grateful for these trial relationships, and I would like to think it all evens out - surely, unknowingly, I have served as practice for other people.

Well, I think in my first two novels, both the characters are pretty neurotic, which I would say that I am.

The fact is that in this day and age I don't think any novelist can assume that a book will get attention.