"A writer, I think, is someone who pays attention to the world."[Speech upon being awarded the Friedenspreis des Deutschen Buchhandels (Peace Prize of the German Book Trade), Frankfurt Book Fair, October 12, 2003]"
"I haven't been everywhere, but it's on my list."
"Do stuff. be clenched, curious. Not waiting for inspiration's shove or society's kiss on your forehead. Pay attention. It's all about paying attention. attention is vitality. It connects you with others. It makes you eager. stay eager."
"The writer is either a practicing recluse or a delinquent, guilt-ridden one--or both. Usually both."
"Interpretation is the revenge of the intellectual upon art."
"Science fiction films are not about science. They are about disaster, which is one of the oldest subjects of art."