How I write: Man Booker shortlist authors reveal their inspirations | Books | The Guardian

Anna Burns

Milkman

Someone said to me recently: "I'm not going to ask you what your book's about. I want you to tell me what you intended your book to do." He stressed that end bit and I thought, what a question from this person I've only just been introduced to at this party. I answered: "I can't say anything more about my book. I'm talked out. My brain has pulled over the curtains." Although true, this was also code for, "Please don't. I need a rest. Stop."