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

Some of the people who look the most normal are probably the maddest people trying to look normal.

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

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

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.

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

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