I can write in the midst of\u201d\u201dnot very conveniently\u201d\u201dbut I can make progress in the midst of the usual family clamor. But it has to be said, perhaps with some regret, that the first thing that distinguishes a writer is that he is most alive when alone, most fully alive when alone. A tolerance for solitude isn\u2019t anywhere near the full description of what really goes on. The most interesting things happen to you when you are alone….<\/p>\n
When I worked on my first book at home, my bedroom was above my father\u2019s study, and I would often hear, not crazy scientist\u2019s laughter, but the sort of laughter where the shoulders are shaking, coming from below. And I continue that tradition. I do find that not only the comic scenes make you laugh but anything that works well. Really, laughter is the successful serendipity of the whole business.<\/p>\n