Like the sand and the oyster, it's a creative irritant. In each poem, I'm trying to reveal a truth, so it can't have a fictional beginning.

Quote by Carol Ann Duffy

Topics: Carol Ann Duffy Quotes

I write in that space between Ella's childhood and mine. I know it all sounds...

I write in that space between Ella's childhood and mine. I know it all sounds...

Christmas is taken very seriously in this household. I believe in Father Christmas, and there's...

Christmas is taken very seriously in this household. I believe in Father Christmas, and there's...

I still read Donne, particularly his love poems.

I still read Donne, particularly his love poems.

Every day is a gift with a child, no matter what problems you have.

Every day is a gift with a child, no matter what problems you have.

Edinburgh is my favourite city. We'll be doing a lot of children's theatre and galleries.

Edinburgh is my favourite city. We'll be doing a lot of children's theatre and galleries.

I think the dangers are different now. Our abuse of the planet and our resources...

I think the dangers are different now. Our abuse of the planet and our resources...

My prose is turgid, it just hasn't got any energy.

My prose is turgid, it just hasn't got any energy.

Poetry and prayer are very similar.

Poetry and prayer are very similar.

Between 9am and 3pm is when I work most intensely.

Between 9am and 3pm is when I work most intensely.

I write quite a lot of sonnets, and I think of them almost as prayers:...

I write quite a lot of sonnets, and I think of them almost as prayers:...

It's always good when women win things in fiction because it tends to be more...

It's always good when women win things in fiction because it tends to be more...

When you have a child, your previous life seems like someone else's. It's like living...

When you have a child, your previous life seems like someone else's. It's like living...

Poets deal in writing about feelings and trying to find the language and images for...

Poets deal in writing about feelings and trying to find the language and images for...

I'll be left writing picture books and fairy tales.

I'll be left writing picture books and fairy tales.