I was always an outsider, always standing outside, observing and trying to figure things out. Which is exactly what you need to do as a writer, I suppose. Monica Ali Read Quote
Outside of interviews, I spend very little time thinking about myself. I spend time thinking about my writing and my children and other things that are pertinent. Monica Ali Read Quote
Some writers are more natural public performers than others; personally I find it quite strange giving interviews. But everyone has parts of their job that they like more than others. You can’t complain if you get to do what you love doing most of the time, can you? Monica Ali Read Quote
Character is always my driving force. And to tell a good story and to provide an entertaining read. Monica Ali Read Quote
I get really excited if I think I’m going to introduce somebody to a writer they haven’t found before and I think they’ll love. My favorite books to get as gifts are any that the giver is messianic about. Monica Ali Read Quote
I like Beryl Bainbridge a great deal, and she is a writer who absolutely demands to be read a second, third, and fourth time. I admire her great courage in leaving so much unsaid and asking the reader to really engage her brain. Monica Ali Read Quote
I always try to create conflict and drama in my books; it’s the engine of the novel. Monica Ali Read Quote
I’m very eclectic in my music tastes – anything from Nina Simone to Beethoven to Talvin Singh. Monica Ali Read Quote
Kids are naturally inventive and curious and creative, but most adults have had that beaten out of them. Writing is a form of play; you have to get rid of all those internal censors that we adults have, the things that say, ‘Don’t go there, that’s not allowed.’ Monica Ali Read Quote
