There are a lot of very strong connections with music and mathematics. They both can work in patterns and sequences and repetitions.

I just could not stand the idea of eating meat - I really do think that it has made me calmer.... People's general awareness is getting much better, even down to buying a pint of milk: the fact that the calves are actually killed so that the milk doesn't go to them but to us cannot really be right, and if you have seen a cow in a state of extreme distress because it cannot understand why its calf isn't by, it can make you think a lot.

I had friends but I was spending a great deal of my time alone and for me that was vital because there's an awful lot you learn about yourself when you're alone.

I haven't actually seen a Lady Gaga tour, but I do think she's very good.

The great thing about art on any level is that it can speak to all people if it's achieved properly.

My father was always playing the piano. He played all kinds of music - Gershwin, all kinds of stuff. He was really a hugely encouraging force to me when I was little.

Whatever is going on in your life when you're writing has to somehow seep into your work.