I never imagined when I began writing in the early 1960s I'd become professional and my life would be transformed.

The monarchy is finished. It was finished a while ago, but they're still making the corpses dance.

It's no surprise to me that intellectuals commit suicide, go mad or die from drink. We feel things more than other people. We know the world is rotten and that chins are ruined by spots.

8.45 a.m. My mother is in the hospital grounds smoking a cigarette. She is looking old and haggard. All the debauchery is catching up with her.

I never imagined when I began writing in the early 1960s I'd become professional and my life would be transformed.

I don't know why women are so mad about flowers. Personally, they leave me cold. I prefer trees.

I am the world's worst diabetic.