I think that each of us inhabits a private world that others cannot see. The only difference between the writer and the reader is that the writer is able to dramatise that private world.

I read all the time. I was reading a book I admire very much by Alice McDermot called Charming Billy.

Nothing ever holds together unless it is mixed with some of one's own blood

I feel I grew up in a different century than I live in. I think most of them are changes for the good.

I mean I think that's a fact and I think that we had a very peculiar type of Catholic Church here in that it was a fortress Church.

Anything that is given can be at once taken away. We have to learn never to expect anything, and when it comes it's no more than a gift on loan.

I'd much prefer to write more quickly.