Couldn't imagine any other way of living, outside of books, outside my work. Which doesn't mean I am not interested in other things, of course - I am interested in many things. But the center, the crux, is always literature.

Good novel is a conjunction of many factors, the main of which is, without a doubt, hard work. There are many things behind a good novel, but in particular, there is a lot of work - a lot of patience, a lot of stubbornness, and a critical spirit.

I am not interested in slice of life, what I want is a slice of the imagination.

I am interested in the subject which is Russia.

I am not interested in power for power's sake, but I'm interested in power that is moral, that is right and that is good.

I am really not interested or excited by repeating former successes.