Sarah Hall

Language description and metaphors seem readily available. The things I have to work harder at are plot, pacing, and form.

You are often asked to explain your work, as if the reader isn't able to work it out. And people always try and label you by your work.

My work is of me; it's not me. I want it to be far more extraordinary than I am.

You always hope you'll surprise somebody with the work. If you write something human and appealing, the perfect reader could be anyone.

For its speculations to be taken seriously, dystopian fiction must be part of a discussion of contemporary society, a projection of ongoing political failures perhaps, or the wringing of present jeopardy for future disaster.