I do wish I could write like some of the American women, who can be clever and heartfelt and hopeful; people like Lorrie Moore and Jennifer Egan. But Ireland messed me up too much, I think, so I can't. Anne Enright americancleveregan share on social
If you grow up in Ireland and read books then you really are obliged to attempt your own some time. It is not exactly a choice. I still don't know if I am a writer. Believe me, there are days when I have my doubts. Anne Enright attemptbookchoice share on social
When I'm working, I'm not so much disciplined as obsessive. I have this feeling that I need to clear everything away and get this down. Anne Enright cleardisciplinefelt Change image and share on social
Naming is nice. It took me days before I was able to speak a name for my first child (what if people did not like it?), and I suspect we gave her a secret, second name as well, to keep her safe. Anne Enright childdaygive Change image and share on social
I think it's very important to write a demythologized woman character. My characters are flawed. They are no better than they should be. Anne Enright characterdemythologizeflawed Change image and share on social
I have a small room to write in. One wall is completely covered in books. And I face the window with the curtain closed to stop the light hitting the computer. Anne Enright bookclosecompletely Change image and share on social
I'm starting to think my narrators' sentences are getting too big for them, and they are getting to sound a bit samey and, more disturbingly, a bit too much like me. Anne Enright bigbitedisturbingly Change image and share on social
There often is a dark secret in books... There is often a gathering sense of dread; there's a gap sometimes in the text from which all kinds of monsters can emerge. Anne Enright bookdarkdread Change image and share on social
I'm very keenly aware that there aren't very many women writing literary fiction in Ireland and so that gives me a sense that what I say matters, in some small way. Anne Enright awarefictionireland Change image and share on social
I became a full-time writer in 1993 and have been very happy, insofar as anybody is, since. Anne Enright fullhappytime Change image and share on social
