I don't want to get hung up on what 'people,' that nebulous mass, think about me. That's the way to unhappiness, I think. Monica Ali hangmasnebulous Change image and share on social
Kids are naturally inventive and curious and creative, but most adults have had that beaten out of them. Writing is a form of play; you have to get rid of all those internal censors that we adults have, the things that say, 'Don't go there, that's not allowed.' Monica Ali adultallowbeat share on social
I guess there's a sort of cycle with writing books. There's all the researching and then the imagining and writing - which is the real job - and then there's always a period when the book comes out and you have to lift your head and venture out. Monica Ali bookcycleguess share on social
I was always an outsider, always standing outside, observing and trying to figure things out. Which is exactly what you need to do as a writer, I suppose. Monica Ali figureobserveoutsider Change image and share on social
I'm very eclectic in my music tastes - anything from Nina Simone to Beethoven to Talvin Singh. Monica Ali beethoveneclecticmusic Change image and share on social
I started writing 'Brick Lane' when my children were two years and five months old. We were on holiday in the north of England when I was overtaken by a compulsion to start writing. Monica Ali brickchildcompulsion Change image and share on social
A new car is not going to change your life. Monica Ali carchangelife Change image and share on social
People don't get involved with local charities or politics because they think it's hard to make a difference and the problem feels overwhelming. But I believe that if all I've time for this year is to write one letter to the local council, it's still worth doing. Monica Ali charitycouncildifference share on social