I don't think anyone wants a reader to be completely lost - certainly not to the point of giving up - but there's something to be said for a book that isn't instantly disposable, that rewards a second reading.

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

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.

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

I'm very happy that the New York Times has spoken well of my stuff; who wouldn't be? But it's not a choice I made.

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

Observe, don't imitate.