I write short stories when a little idea occurs to me, that I know isn't a part of a novel that will stand by itself and should be concentrated.

It's great meeting children because you never know what they will say.

Schools don't really allow failure and yet it's part of any endeavour, not just writing.

I don't work to any commissions. I do what I want to do.

I wouldn't go out of my way to experience the indignity of middle-age just because it might be good meat for a story.

I wasn't even aware of the Year of the Family. I couldn't give a toss. These things - the year of the family, the year of the three-legged dog. I think it's all trash.

I like naming characters.