I don't take much notice of reviews now - obviously you'd like to have straight worship but you're never going to get that.

You don't really have to go anywhere in particular in New York City to have a good time. In every part of town, there's always something going on. It helps to know people there, too, because everything changes so fast, and they will be able to point out what's hot this month.

As an author, I realise, you're on your own. You have to do everything you can to help The Book. If I make sure people know it's out there, they can make up their own minds whether they want to read it.

The way British publishing works is that you go from not being published no matter how good you are, to being published no matter how bad you are.

Criticism is part of being in the marketplace. If you can't take a bit of criticism, you shouldn't bother publishing a book.

A public role endures for the literary high-command, as sages and seers, speaking out on social and political issues.

I never could get a proper job.