The process of creation begins way before one starts writing.

Walk free from the long shadows cast by small people.

What I am interested in, what I write and care about, exists in the slow lane, somewhere between hand-ploughed fields and a pint of real ale.

Eyesight can be so blinding. We need to look beyond the face of things.

There’s no such thing as writer’s block, so long as you’ve had plenty of time to think about what you want to write.

I needed some space to lay myself out, so that I could decide which pieces I wanted to pick up.

Imagination is the real magic that exists in this world. Look inwards, to see outwards. And capture it in writing.

A consultant: someone brought in to build a one-handled wheelbarrow.

Sentiments, as I have found, can be harvested from places where our memories are fondest.

If we have faith, then we can see the beauty around us. If we don’t then we are just blind followers, not knowing why we are on the path.

Wear your heart on your sleeve. Write about what you think and feel. And share it with your friends.

Prayer is a noble act.

Each imagining himself to be the first last and only alone, whereas he is neither first last nor last nor only not alone in a series originating in and repeated to infinity.

I am being frank about myself in this book. I tell of my first mistake on page 850.

All that matters is, how big do you want to dream, and how hard do you want to work?

Chloe turned to Vetch. The poet said gently, "You see, you do have power. Words give you power, to create or destroy." His eyes flickered to Clare. "Even to forgive.

Having books published is very destructive to writing.

But at 42, 1 don't care what critics think.

To receive honestly is the best thanks for a good thing.

Some artists think every woman is a groupie, and that every dude is a sucker, and I never looked at people like that.

Every single person in jail for a violent crime had a nightmare childhood.