Alexander McCall Smith Quotes & Sayings (Page 3)

“The point of opera is that people are moved by the emotions and music.”

“A very powerful theme in fiction is that of loss.”

“Botswana is actually very peaceful. It's democratic. It never was in debt. They've been fortunate, they've had diamonds.”

“The local community is very important in one's life; the feelings of identification with a place and people.”

“Fiction is able to encompass books that are bleak and which dwell on the manifold and terrible problems of our times. But I don't think that all books need to have that particular focus.”

“I write four books a year. I'm very fortunate that I write quickly; around 3,500 words a day. Being strict about delineating my writing time and personal life, as well as keeping distractions at bay, is the only way I can accomplish this.”

“But you cannot expect every writer to dwell on human suffering. I think my books do deal with grave issues. People who say they are too positive probably haven't read them.”

“Every novel presents a slice of life. A noir policier for example presents one slice, one that perhaps addresses social dysfunction or some sort of pathology, while mine present a slice that is more upbeat and affirmative.”

“I would certainly never consider myself a Renaissance Man; I'm not fit to look at the dust from the chariot wheels of many of those who have gone before me.”

“It seems to me that we're in danger of losing sight of certain basic civic values in society by allowing the growth of a whole generation of people who really have no sense of attachment to society.”