Lots of people have objections to prizes of all types, and it would be extraordinary if everybody agreed on anything that's worthwhile - they never do.

All prizes have a role, if they are run with integrity and with a clear focus on reading and quality writing. I don't think any of them is necessary, but they all play an incredibly important role in building a body of literature, in introducing new authors to new readers, and extending reading.

People think that I'm very serious.

I really like people and I keep friendships. I have people from all parts of my life.

People have different views of how you deal with different issues in literature, and, frankly, long may it last that there is a range of views.

Democrats never agree on anything, that's why they're Democrats. If they agreed with each other, they would be Republicans.