Susan Minot

Change and renewal are themes in life, aren't they? We keep growing throughout life.

The teenager's room is her cave. It is here she can meet herself, undistracted by the new hassles life is making for her. Here, she can reflect.

Desire suppressed finds its way into other more surreal settings, into dreams.

Writing chases after the senses, and conveys them in an altered form. When it is done well, the senses come alive in a new and captured form.

The idea that there is a family somewhere who functions is an odd concept.

David Gulden captures animals in all their wonder and intrigue, without glorifying or romanticizing them. He knows Kenya's wildlife intimately, and it shows in the depth of his images. He has an artist's eye, which delivers beauty and transport in every picture.

Success did change me. You don't want it to, but it does.

When I was younger, I suppose I was interested in checking out as much about writing as I could: bad, weird, irritating, even things not-to-my-taste. Now I am less open. I will decide after a few pages if I want to stay in the world of the book, and if I don't, I put it down. I have less time left.

People can have a variety of concerns at the same time. Even those undergoing grave or traumatic experiences will acknowledge the need for lightness or even entertainment.

Minimalism has a connotation of being reductive, and not in the best way. 'Brevetist' is a better term. I'm trying to be as concise as possible and still getting across to the reader. When information is delivered in that way, it is very satisfying to me.

Preserving that privacy between a writer and the work is important. You have to shut out all those voices that have reacted to your work.

In general, my own experience of writing an adaptation of 'Evening' gave me a chance to get into different parts of the book.