'University life will be blighted somewhat by a feeling that you can more or less cruise through the degree which will lead you to waste time and smoke much cannabis.'

Your university life will be blighted somewhat by a feeling that you can more or less cruise through the degree which will lead you to waste time and smoke much cannabis which will then lead you to depression. You'd be much better off taking on more work.

'There are enough stories of great writers who are impossible to live with to suggest that having writing talent, and even winning enormous recognition for it, does not always mean a calm and contented personal life. '

There are enough stories of great writers who are impossible to live with to suggest that having writing talent, and even winning enormous recognition for it, does not always mean a calm and contented personal life. Thinking about it from inside, though, is different.

'I only turn to the computer once the itch to get writing is very strong, and I worry that they allow me to write too fast, faster than I can really think and am tempted to write my next book longhand.'

I only turn to the computer once the itch to get writing is very strong, and I worry that they allow me to write too fast, faster than I can really think, and am tempted to write my next book longhand.

'In my spare time I would escape into any book I could find which meant that one day, by chance, really, I picked up 'Misery' by Stephen King. '

I was a reader not a writer, and in my spare time I would escape into any book I could find which meant that one day, by chance, really, I picked up 'Misery' by Stephen King.

'I am particularly inspired by writers who approach their work ever so slightly sideways. Just a step, not the whole mile. '

I am particularly inspired by writers who approach their work ever so slightly sideways. Just a step, not the whole mile. Writers who are playful.

'Many of the books I now regard as foundational seem to have been discovered more or less by accident, often as impulse buys in charity shops.'

Often I am at a loss to map the routes that have brought me to particular titles. Many of the books I now regard as foundational seem to have been discovered more or less by accident, often as impulse buys in charity shops.

'In one particular light some stories end, in another they reach different conclusions or remain unfinished; neither of us is finished. '

In one particular light some stories end, in another they reach different conclusions or remain unfinished; neither of us is finished. All I am telling you about then, I am also telling myself now. So what do I most want to to say to you?

'I found a reflection of my own life and ambition in Mansfield's, bought a cheap edition of her short stories, and read them until the binding fell apart.'

I found a reflection of my own life and ambition in Mansfield's, bought a cheap edition of her short stories, and read them until the binding fell apart and it had to be held together with an elastic band. Her writing became essential to me.

'As a late starter, approaching sixty, every book I produce has to count. So first I pick an issue I feel compelled to write about. '

As a late starter, approaching sixty, every book I produce has to count. So first I pick an issue I feel compelled to write about. I then look for a central idea around which to construct a plot.

'For advice to be of any use, it's got to be timely. Unless you're in need of guidance at that juncture you won't be open to receiving it.'

For advice to be of any use, it's got to be timely. Unless you're in need of guidance at that juncture you won't be open to receiving it. Writing tips are ten a penny.