Many aspects of the writing life have changed since I published my first book, in the 1960s. It is more corporate, more driven by profits and marketing, and generally less congenial - but my day is the same: get out of bed, procrastinate, sit down at my desk, try to write something.

There are probably more annoying things than being hectored about African development by a wealthy Irish rock star in a cowboy hat, but I can't think of one at the moment.

The greatest justification for travel is not self-improvement but rather performing a vanishing act, disappearing without a trace.

Notice how many of the Olympic athletes effusively thanked their mothers for their success? “She drove me to my practice at four in the morning,” etc. Writing is not figure skating or skiing. Your mother will not make you a writer. My advice to any young person who wants to write is: leave home.

Home is always the impossible subject, multilayered and maddening.

All politicians, even the most idealistic ones, are looking for money, sucking up to rich people.

A novel captures essence that is not possible in any other form.