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.

I'm going to sound like an old man but at my age, it's lovely doing something that you've never done before.

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

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.

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

The best way to reveal a character is to get them to open their mouths.