‘Fiction – and novels in particular – give me an opportunity for a deep engagement with readers – a chance to explore complex ideas rather than just outline a position and supporting arguments. I find it gratifying that people who (from their profiles) are coming from a very different place philosophically, politically and often religiously, are prepared to go the distance with my books and the ideas embodied in  them. 

I don’t think that happens so much with shorter opinion pieces or essays in which you’re often preaching to the choir – and perhaps deterring potential readers of the novels.

That said, it can be hard to say no. Mostly, I wish I had.’

– GCS