You know how if you're born in a certain situation you always expect your life to run on a steady trajectory? I've never really had a sense of that. I assume that life is going to go up and down. Monica Ali assumebearexpect Change image and share on social
Some writers are more natural public performers than others; personally I find it quite strange giving interviews. But everyone has parts of their job that they like more than others. You can't complain if you get to do what you love doing most of the time, can you? Monica Ali complainfindgive share on social
I get really excited if I think I'm going to introduce somebody to a writer they haven't found before and I think they'll love. My favorite books to get as gifts are any that the giver is messianic about. Monica Ali bookexcitefavorite 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 always try to create conflict and drama in my books; it's the engine of the novel. Monica Ali bookconflictcreate Change image and share on social
Outside of interviews, I spend very little time thinking about myself. I spend time thinking about my writing and my children and other things that are pertinent. Monica Ali childinterviewpertinent Change image and share on social
I wish I got a lie-in on Saturday mornings but I never do. Monica Ali liemorningsaturday 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
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
People always want to identify a writer with their protagonist. Monica Ali identifypeopleprotagonist Change image and share on social