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.

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 do enjoy Gothic fiction or books about zombies if they are well written and I like vampires.

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.

Most working days I can be at my desk for nine hours a day.

My parents were sixty years married.

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