I'm actually rather orderly, although the way that I write is not.

My view of an excellent novel was probably set in the golden age of fiction in the 19th century: narrative, character and voice are of equal importance.

My advice would be not to write until after 35. You need some experience, and for life to knock you about a bit. Growing up is so hard you probably won't have much emotion to spare anyway.

Oddly my name has been no professional help at all! It seems to have made no difference. I admire him hugely, both for his benevolence and his enormous psychological perception.

Out of respect to writers, you have to read the book in the way in which the author visualised it going out into the world.

I always love writing about children.

You can't love a library of e-books. You can't furnish a room with e-books.