There is creative reading as well as creative writing.

Whenever I’m asked what advice I have for young writers, I always say that the first thing is to read, and to read a lot. The second thing is to write. And the third thing, which I think is absolutely vital, is to tell stories and listen closely to the stories you’re being told.

The novel moves like all the arts. It’s transforming itself all the time.

Easy reading is damn hard writing.