Plot is a map and I begin with it. It is what made me admire the novels of the 19th century; that the stories are foreshadowed. TheyÕre going someplace.

There is no straightforward negotiation with a four year old.

As it was, things went from bad to worse, as they often will when amateurs are involved in an activity that they perform in bad temper – or in a hurry.

Adolescence-is it the first time in life we discover that we have something terrible to hide from those who love us?

You only grow by coming to the end of something and by beginning something else.

Lilly was not crazy. She left a serious suicide note. 'Sorry,' said the note. 'Just not big enough.

You don't want to be ungenerous toward people who give you prizes, but it is never the social or political message that interests me in a novel. I begin with an interest in a relationship, a situation, a character.