I looked like a woman in glasses, but I had dreams of leading a very different kind of life, the life of a woman who would not wear glasses, the kind of woman I saw from a distance now and then in a bar.

When I'm trying a new form- trying to do something I'm not used to doing, which was true of the novel.

I would recommend, definitely, developing a 'day job' that you like - don't expect to make money writing!

I'm used to rereading e-mails, even, before sending them - a bit compulsive. So this is high speed roller coaster for me!

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 think the close work I do as a translator pays off in my writing - I'm always searching for multiple ways to say things.

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