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.

The greatest danger of being gifted, is that you may never learn how to make an effort.

Stay cool, and wait for opportunity.

Few pleasures are greater than knowing you can close your door, ignore the world and create your own.

It's true, some senior Hungarian writers are not known for their laughter. There is a strong Germanic influence - an attitude that if it's enjoyable it can't possibly be literature.

I went to a British Council event a while back and there were lots of German professors of literature. About half of them were convinced I had a German sense of humour and the other half were sure it was British. They are probably still arguing about it now.

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.