I never dream in French, but certain French words seem better or more fun than English words - like 'pois chiches' for chick peas!

Why don't you like the foods I like?" he asks sometimes. "Why don't you like the foods I make?" I answer.

I worked more intensively hour after hour when I was starting out [writing]. More laboriously. I'd say quantity is important as well as quality, and if you're not producing enough, make a schedule and stick to it.

The style developed over decades, really, but I started out writing pretty traditional stories, then became impatient. It was a writer named Russell Edson who showed me that one could write in any way at all.

Work hard and meticulously. When in trouble, look closely at a text that is a good example of what you're trying to do. And be patient.

I never dream in French, but certain French words seem better or more fun than English words - like 'pois chiches' for chick peas!

That's the interesting thing about writing. You can start late, you can be ignorant of things, and yet, if you work hard and pay attention you can do a good job of it.