If I'm writing, I'll say something metaphorical or approximate, whereas scientists are very precise.

It's not hard to write poorly. But to write something good, it has to be revised.

Running! If there's any activity happier, more exhilarating, more nourishing to the imagination, I can't think what it might be. In running the mind flies with the body; the mysterious efflorescence of language seems to pulse in the brain, in rhythm with our feet and the swinging of our arms.

To claim - to claim repeatedly - that you are innocent of what it is claimed by others that you have done, or might have done, or are in some quarters strongly suspected of having done, is never enough unless others, numerous others, will say it for you.

Impossible not to imagine the dead observing us. Our love for them a soft, shimmering gossamar that trails behind us.

celebrate while you can

I am always reading or thinking about reading.