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

I write short stories when a little idea occurs to me, that I know isn't a part of a novel that will stand by itself and should be concentrated.

It was a sign of growing up, when the dark made no more difference to you than the day.

The problem with being Irish... is having 'Riverdance' on your back. It's a burden at times.

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.

I wouldn't go out of my way to experience the indignity of middle-age just because it might be good meat for a story.

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