Jonathan Franzen

It's very liberating for me to realize that I don't have to step up to the plate with a plot that involves the U.N. Security Council.

The Mekons were kind of like the background music of my life.

I used to think it was hard to write, and I still find the process more or less unpleasant, but if I know what I'm doing it rattles along, then the rewrite whips it into shape rather quickly.

I'd date someone younger or older; age doesn't matter to me. Or looks, really - it's all about maturity.

I am happy to the spokeswoman for this French youth that tomorrow will be spearhead new hope in the shape of the National Front.

Everything you listen to when you are 17 should be embarrassing, otherwise you are way too cool.