Hell, I am young. I am free. My teeth are clean. The sun shines. To hell with everything else

One of the most unattractive human traits, and so easy to fall into, is resentment at the sudden shared popularity of a previously private pleasure. Which of us hasn't been annoyed when a band, writer, artist or television series that had been a minority interest of ours has suddenly achieved mainstream popularity? When it was at a cult level we moaned at the philistinism of a world that didn't appreciate it, and now that they do appreciate it we're all resentful and dog-in-the-manger about it.

Knowing what I now know I would never have done anything so fatuous; but then I never would have known what I know now had I not.

I get an urge, like a pregnant elephant, to go away and give birth to a book.

I have Van Gogh's ear for music

Talent is inborn, but technique is learned.

I never quite dare to believe I'm brave enough to be an artist, but I'm on the side of artists. I think of myself as a bit of a Salieri, looking with longing eyes at Mozart.