A writer, I think, is someone who pays attention to the world. That means trying to understand, take in, connect with, what wickedness human beings are capable of; and not be corrupted - made cynical, superficial - by this understanding.

I'm more cautious about what I write.

I don't want to express alienation. It isn't what I feel. I'm interested in various kinds of passionate engagement. All my work says be serious, be passionate, wake up.

No 'we' should be taken for granted when the subject is looking at other people's pain.

'Camp' is a vision of the world in terms of style - but a particular style. It is the love of the exaggerated.

In contrast to the written account-which, depending on its complexity of thought, reference, and vocabulary, is pitched at a larger or smaller readership-a photograph has only one language and is destined potentially for all.

Most people in this society who aren't actively mad are, at best, reformed or potential lunatics.