At one point I intended to write precursor and sequel novels, about the establishment of the Web and its next evolution, but I am very unlikely to now; they would take place in a different universe.

Every book is three books, after all; the one the writer intended, the one the reader expected, and the one that casts its shadow when the first two meet by moonlight.

Observe, don't imitate.

Well, it's an adventure story, and a Bildungsroman, of course, but there was also the intention to describe a culture that had been seen in rather narrow terms.

There are people who believe in an absolutely transparent prose; with every respect for clarity of expression, I don't.

The language fictional characters use is chosen for effect, at least if the author is concentrating.

We're all living on borrowed time. The trick is to come up with works of sufficient interest to pay off the debt.