Fear and I were old buddies, despite my best efforts to the contrary.

Every writer must acknowledge and be able to handle the unalterable fact that he has, in effect, given himself a life sentence in solitary confinement. The ordinary world of work is closed to him - and that if he's lucky!

I write longer sentences than most of the others, maybe because I probably like Henry James more than they do.

What was the worst thing you've ever done? I won't tell you that, but I'll tell you the worst thing that ever happened to me...the most dreadful thing.

I instantly chucked my academic ambitions and began writing fiction full-time.

There have been times when I reread - or at least leafed through - something because I'd sent a copy to a friend, and what usually happened was that I noticed dozens and dozens of clumsy phrases I wished I could rewrite.

Everyone wants to get better as they go along, but sometimes it's all you can do to stay consistent.