If you are a writer you're at home, which means you're out of touch. You have to make excuses to get out there and look at how the world is changing.

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

Do not place a photograph of your favourite author on your desk, especially if the author is one of the famous ones who committed suicide.

When I was a kid, if you didn't speak Irish, you really wanted to. And you played Gaelic games and you didn't pay any attention to what was happening in the outside world, because really, the - Ireland was the center of the universe. And I don't think that's the case anymore, although, admittedly, it is the center of the universe.

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

She's a pot-of-tea-before-I-say-boo-to-you woman. There's always a pile of warm teabags in the sink when I come down, like what a horse would leave behind.

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.