I believed that old people never laughed. I thought they sighed a lot and groaned. They walked with sticks, and they didn't like children on bicycles or roller skates or with big dogs.

I look placid, you see, that's why people think I'm fine. Inside I worry a lot.

Of course I wanted children. Bright, gorgeous, loving children. I could almost see them.

I had a very happy childhood, which is unsuitable if you're going to be an Irish writer.

I remember watching myself on video and being so disappointed with myself because I was constantly moving around the place and laughing. I thought, 'I must be so much louder than I think I am. From inside it feels fine.'

I'm mainly an airport author, and if you're trying to take your mind off the journey, you're not going to read 'King Lear.'

I try to make my characters kind of ordinary, somebody that anybody could be. Because we've all had loves, perhaps love and loss, people can relate to my characters.