Who was it recently invented some machine that will enable her to sign a book from 5,000 miles away? Margaret Atwood. Get off your arse, love, and sign it in person. Publishers and circumstance made you a bestselling author. Give a little back.

I've written over 100 short stories. You could say I'm obsessed with short stories.

I never know exactly where I'm going with a story, whether it's a short story or a novel. If I did I'd soon grow bored of it. The fun, for me, is in the finding out and the making sense of it.

I'm not trying to write cinematic novels, but I have been told several times that my style is cinematic.

I love experimental writing, when it's good, and good examples are much more likely to be found in the short form.

I am interested in power and in the idea of one country exerting power over another. The Soviets took this to an extreme.

I always have lots of zany ideas for promotional stuff as publication nears.