Why do writers, say, give up a job in economics and decide to write poetry? Or, why do they give up a job in a bank and decide to paint, like Krishan Khanna? They want to convey something.

I don't pick and choose subjects or settings; they pick and choose me.

I often feel newspapers are just filling up space. Of course, I also know people who write really long books.

I know from an editor's point of view or a publisher's point of view it's easier to slot me into a particular niche. But I know that I'd be bored unless I wrote a book that in some senses was a challenge.

I was always scared to follow my dreams because if I follow my dreams and I fail, I can't dream about it anymore. It's easier to settle for less.

I'm not motivated by money or fame. I'm more driven by the electricity of creativity. The idea of being one of the legends that inspired me, being like Tupac.

We always try to keep going and stay concentrated. Early goals help that a lot.

Overcoming the Cold War required courage from the people of Central and Eastern Europe and what was then the German Democratic Republic, but it also required the steadfastness of Western partner over many decades when many had long lost hope of integration of the two Germanys and Europe.