I like to tell students, 'I didn't burst on to the literary scene.' I'm never good at things at the beginning. I was terrible at the start. I need to work and work. Markus Zusak beginburstgood Change image and share on social
I'm not a writer who refuses to talk about a book until I've finished. Markus Zusak bookfinishhave Change image and share on social
I try hard and aim big. People can hate or love my books but they can never accuse me of not trying. Markus Zusak accuseaimbig Change image and share on social
I'm not one of these 'the characters write themselves; the story just fell out of me' kind of writers. Wish it was like that. Markus Zusak characterfallkind Change image and share on social
I find writing extremely difficult. I usually have to drag myself to my desk, mainly because I doubt myself. And it's getting harder because I want to improve with every book. Markus Zusak bookdeskdifficult Change image and share on social
When I was growing up, I wanted to be a house painter like my father, but I was always screwing up when I went to work with him. I had a talent for knocking over paint and painting myself into corners. I also realized fairly quickly that painting bored me. Markus Zusak borecornerfairly share on social
Every time you find something that doesn't work, you're a step closer to what does work. Markus Zusak closefindstep Change image and share on social
I had many boxing matches with my brother in the backyard when we were younger, and I guess while other people abhor boxing for its brutality, I also have to admire anyone who climbs into the ring to face up to what could be the ultimate defeat. Markus Zusak abhoradmirebackyard share on social
I procrastinate in spades. In my defence, I also try to have all other distractions solved before I can concentrate on writing. My small theory is that to write for three hours, you need to feel like you have three days. To write for three days, you need to feel like you've got three weeks, and so on. Markus Zusak concentratedaydefence share on social
I like the idea that every page in every book can have a gem on it. It's probably what I love most about writing - that words can be used in a way that's like a child playing in a sandpit, rearranging things, swapping them around. Markus Zusak bookchildgem share on social