Well I think after leaving prison, and having written three diaries about life in prison, it became a sort of a new challenge to write another novel, to write a new novel.

Time spent on preparation is seldom wasted.

But I certainly made mistakes, for which I regret, I think most human beings in their lifetime make mistakes, mine ended up in two years prison - two very remarkable years from which I learnt a lot.

With torture ,as with making love, foreplay is the all important factor

I do greatly admire Australian artists.

If you make a deal with a fool, don't be surprised when they act foolishly.

A strong man who has known power all his life may lose respect for that power. But a weak man knows the value of strength.