Martin Amis

Bullets cannot be recalled. They cannot be uninvented. But they can be taken out of the gun.

I am, incidentally, the only writer to have received the Somerset Maugham award twice - the first time for my first novel, the second time for my second first novel.

Novelists are stamina merchants, grinders, nine-to-fivers, and their career curves follow the usual arc of human endeavour.

The flaw of an amateur is to assume what's in our head is what's on the page.

Being very, very honest, I've watched more Bill Clinton speeches than stand-up specials. Steve Jobs commencements. They're just great orators. I love people who boldly share their point of view.

Those who wish well to the State ought to choose to places of trust men of inward principle, justified by exemplary conversation.