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
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
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
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
Character is always my driving force. And to tell a good story and to provide an entertaining read. Monica Ali characterdriveentertain Change image and share on social
People always want to identify a writer with their protagonist. Monica Ali identifypeopleprotagonist Change image and 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
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
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
