Life being so short, and the possible books to write so many, it's good to function by night as well as by day; but would anybody become a writer if they realised at the outset what the working hours were? Hilary Mantel bookdayfunction share on social
I'm a very organised and rational and linear thinker, and you have to stop all that to write a novel. Hilary Mantel linearorganiserational Change image and share on social
If you get stuck, get away from your desk. Take a walk, take a bath, go to sleep, make a pie, draw, listen to music, meditate, exercise; whatever you do, don't just stick there scowling at the problem. But don't make telephone calls or go to a party; if you do, other people's words will pour in where your lost words should be. Hilary Mantel bathcalldesk share on social
'Show up at the desk' is one of the first rules of writing, but for 'Wolf Hall' I was about 30 years late. Hilary Mantel deskhalllate Change image and share on social
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
My first career ambitions involved turning into a boy; I intended to be either a railway guard or a knight errant. Hilary Mantel ambitionboycareer Change image and share on social