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.

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.

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

Good ideas are often murdered by better ones.

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.

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.

When I was growing up, the exam system didn't allow you to write fiction, so you never did.