Academics love to make theories about a body of work, but each book consumes the writer and is the sum of his or her world.

Quote by Jeanette Winterson

Topics: Jeanette Winterson Quotes

My books always begin with a sentence and an image - not necessarily connected.

My books always begin with a sentence and an image - not necessarily connected.

I think people deceive themselves about themselves, particularly as they get older.

I think people deceive themselves about themselves, particularly as they get older.

I hate the word lesbian; it tells you nothing; its only purpose is to inflame.

I hate the word lesbian; it tells you nothing; its only purpose is to inflame.

I like to look at how people work together when they are put into stressful...

I like to look at how people work together when they are put into stressful...

You never give away your heart; you lend it from time to time. If it...

You never give away your heart; you lend it from time to time. If it...

I think we still believe that ambition is for boys.

I think we still believe that ambition is for boys.

Nobody knows anything about Shakespeare the person. It's all legend, it is all rumor.

Nobody knows anything about Shakespeare the person. It's all legend, it is all rumor.

Ordinary professionalism and 20 years' experience can accomplish a lot, but it can't access the...

Ordinary professionalism and 20 years' experience can accomplish a lot, but it can't access the...

Quest is at the heart of what I do-the holy grail, and the terror that...

Quest is at the heart of what I do-the holy grail, and the terror that...

I wanted to cause trouble, but I know now it stays with you.

I wanted to cause trouble, but I know now it stays with you.

Everything in writing begins with language. Language begins with listening.

Everything in writing begins with language. Language begins with listening.

I don't believe in happy endings.

I don't believe in happy endings.

Whatever is powerful to you can be translated into something which will matter to somebody...

Whatever is powerful to you can be translated into something which will matter to somebody...

My characters are always on the outside; the spotlight's not on them. But they do...

My characters are always on the outside; the spotlight's not on them. But they do...

You play. You win. You play. You lose. You play.

You play. You win. You play. You lose. You play.

The work that lasts over time is the work which still speaks to us when...

The work that lasts over time is the work which still speaks to us when...

London is a small place, and it is very incestuous. People know where you live....

London is a small place, and it is very incestuous. People know where you live....

I think heterosexuality and homosexuality are a kind of psychosis, and the truth is somewhere...

I think heterosexuality and homosexuality are a kind of psychosis, and the truth is somewhere...

I like to think the price I paid by being open about my private life...

I like to think the price I paid by being open about my private life...

I didn't mind being unpopular at school, because everyone else was a heathen.

I didn't mind being unpopular at school, because everyone else was a heathen.