It's a big con job. We have sold the myth of Dublin as a sexy place incredibly well; because it is a dreary little dump most of the time.

I tend to plan as I write. And I want to leave myself open and the character open to keep on going until it seems to be the time to stop.

You know people are always putting Ulysses in the top 10 books ever written but I doubt that any of those people were really moved by it.

Do be kind to yourself. Fill pages as quickly as possible; double space, or write on every second line. Regard every new page as a small triumph. Until you get to page 50. Then calm down, and start worrying about the quality. Do feel anxiety - it's the job.

If you're from Dublin, for example, chances are you live with your family, if you're lucky enough to, right up to the mid-20s. And most of the people I know, when they finally sort of set off on their own, they don't stray all that far.

To claim that music is more important than oxygen would be trite and sentimental. It would also be true.

She'd tried her hand at most things, but drew the line at honesty.