... why I like timetables, because they make sure I don't get lost in time.

I don't remember deciding to become a writer. You decide to become a dentist or a postman. For me, writing is like being gay. You finally admit that this is who you are, you come out and hope that no one runs away.

Things can be funny when people are uneasy. It softens them up and stops them falling asleep on the sofa. I like those moments where people half-smile and half-wince.

From a good book, I want to be taken to the very edge. I want a glimpse into that outer darkness.

Every life is narrow. Our only escape is not to run away, but to learn to love the people we are and the world in which we find ourselves.

I think one of the things you have to learn if you're going to create believable characters is never to make generalizations about groups of people.

Most of my work consisted of crossing out. Crossing out was the secret of all good writing.