In general, questions are fine; you can always seize upon the parts of them that interest you and concentrate on answering those. And one has to remember when answering questions that asking questions isn't easy either, and for someone who's quite shy to stand up in an audience to speak takes some courage.

I spent many years of my life as an economist and demographer. I was finally distracted by writing my novels and poetry. I'm enormously happy that was the case. I feel that with writing I have found my metier.

You know, I can imagine not writing a novel and writing poetry only.

The thing about inspiration is that it takes your mind off everything else.

I want my books to sell, to be read. I'm not interested in being obscure.

You have to learn a few things, which you do along the way, but basically, poetry is a matter of the ear. Iambic pentameters or what constitutes a stanza comes naturally - your ears will know.

Of course, the greater one's need, the greater one's propensity to be mesmerized.