I couldn't have children, so that's the bad side. But compared to everything else I have, it's not all that terribly bad. I count my winners rather than my losers.

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

The biggest influence on my books was the fact that I had worked in a newspaper for so long. In a daily paper, you learn to write very quickly; there is no time to sit and brood about what you are going to say.

My brother married young, and his is the best marriage I know.

I think you've got to play the hand that you're dealt and stop wishing for another hand.

Always write as if you are talking to someone. It works. Don't put on any fancy phrases or accents or things you wouldn't say in real life.

I've been very lucky and I have a happy old age with good family and friends still around.