Fictional characters are made of words, not flesh; they do not have free will, they do not exercise volition. They are easily born, and as easily killed off.

In my books you have to concentrate, but I work hard to make it that, when you do, the rewards are quite high.

Doing what you do well is death. Your duty is to keep trying to do things that you don't do well, in the hope of learning.

If they give me the bloody prize, why can't they say nice things about me?

The first thought that occurred to me, that night when I heard the chairman of the jury announce my name, was, Just think how many people hate me at this moment. Naturally, I wanted to annoy those people even further by being arrogant.

The telephone ringing gave me a dreadful start. I have never got used to this machine, the way it crouches so malevolently, ready to start clamouring for attention when you least expect it, like a mad baby.

The secret of survival is a defective imagination.