As much fun as it is to read a book, writing a book is one level deeper than that.

But how,” said Charles, who was close to tears, “how can you possibly justify cold-blooded murder?’ Henry lit a cigarette. “I prefer to think of it,” he had said, “as redistribution of matter.

The trouble is when people read about authors, they don't feel compelled to read the authors' work.

I love the tradition of Dickens, where even the most minor walk-on characters are twitching and particular and alive.

After all, the appeal to stop being yourself, even for a little while, is very great

In short: I felt my existence was tainted, in some subtle but essential way.

Character, to me, is the life's blood of fiction