Usually the characters lead, but sometimes you have such a strong theme that... they won't let you.

I like writing about women, weak and strong, pathetic and heroic. I like writing about men, ditto. And all the variants of men and women, beasts and demons.

We weren't going to let [the lead] go once we had it.

We usually make a point not to watch in case that happens because it affects you mentally.

That's how the season's been going. We usually get the early lead and then somehow relinquish it.

I held out my book. It was precious to me, as were all the things I'd written; even where I despised their inadequacy there was not one I would disown. Each tore its way from my entrails. Each had shortened my life, killed me with its own special little death.