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'm writing I just think there's only the page and me and nobody else.

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

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.

It's hard for me to measure them, or to assess my books because I'm so close to them.