The old always think the world is getting worse; it is for the young, equipped with historical facts, to point out that, compared with 1509, or even 1939, life in 2009 is sweet as honey. Hilary Mantel badlycompareequip Change image and share on social
Imagination only comes when you privilege the subconscious, when you make delay and procrastination work for you. Hilary Mantel delayimaginationmake Change image and share on social
Writing comes from that territory of being invalidated. But I had a sense of purpose, too. I wanted to stop apologising for my health, and I thought I might do some good. Hilary Mantel apologisegoodhealth Change image and share on social
Sometimes people ask, 'Does writing make you happy?' But I think that's beside the point. It makes you agitated, and continually in a state where you're off balance. You seldom feel serene or settled. Hilary Mantel agitatebalancecontinually Change image and share on social
Concentrate your narrative energy on the point of change. This is especially important for historical fiction. When your character is new to a place, or things alter around them, that's the point to step back and fill in the details of their world. Hilary Mantel alterbackchange share on social
It follows that if you are not a mother you are not a grandmother. Your life has become unpunctuated, whereas the lives of other women around you have these distinct phases. Hilary Mantel distinctgrandmotherlife Change image and share on social
Novels teach you that actions have consequences. They help you grow up. Hilary Mantel actionconsequencegrow Change image and share on social
Like a historian, I interpret, select, discard, shape, simplify. Unlike a historian, I make up people's thoughts. Hilary Mantel discardhistorianinterpret Change image and share on social
History is always changing behind us, and the past changes a little every time we retell it. Hilary Mantel changehistorypast Change image and share on social
I spend a lot of my time talking to the dead, but since I get paid for it, no one thinks I'm mad. Hilary Mantel deadlotmad Change image and share on social
