There are plenty of books that tell you how to become a writer, but not one that suggests how, if you want a normal life, you might reverse the process. Hilary Mantel booklifenormal Change image and share on social
It is difficult to know how the Tudors actually spoke because we're going back before Shakespeare; much of the drama from that period is courtly, allegorical. Hilary Mantel allegoricalbackcourtly Change image and share on social
Fear of commitment lies behind the fear of writing. Hilary Mantel commitmentfearlie Change image and share on social
I am very happy in second-hand bookshops; would a gardener not be happy in a garden? Hilary Mantel bookshopgardengardener Change image and share on social
Like many people, I am addicted to the physical act of reading. Hilary Mantel actaddictpeople Change image and share on social
Memory isn't a theme; it's part of the human condition. Hilary Mantel conditionhumanmemory Change image and share on social
Sometimes I fantasize that all my furniture has been destroyed in a cataclysm, and I have to start again with only the stationery catalogue. My entire house would become an office, which would be an overt recognition of the existing state of affairs. Hilary Mantel affaircataclysmcatalogue share on social
A novel should be a book of questions, not a book of answers. Hilary Mantel answerbookquestion Change image and share on social
But an experienced reader is also a self-aware and critical reader. I can't remember ever reading a story without judging it. Hilary Mantel awarecriticalexperience Change image and share on social
The experienced writer says to the anguished novice: 'Just do it; get something, anything, on to the screen or page, just establish a flow of words, and criticise them later.' You give this advice but can't always take it. Hilary Mantel adviceanguishcriticise share on social
