Russell Smith

“Fashion has always been in conflict with convention. Style involves some knowledge of both. But you can pretty much forget these seasonal injunctions.”

“No surprise here: Pop music is by far the most conservative art form there is.”

“Canadian writers don't live in gated mansions; you can just talk to them when you see them lining up at the Second Cup.”

“I would rather be nuts than unattractive.”

“Have you noticed the people most likely to be up in arms about governments apparently spying on us tend to be the most non-private people you know? The people launching petitions and wailing about Big Brother and data collection are most likely to be the most constant self-presenters.”

“If people didn't read books on the subway, underground journeys would be dreary.”

“Kindle Worlds is a clever way to monetize a formerly underground trend, and to enable its participants to be remunerated. But it will be of no interest to writers with any literary ambition, as its constraints are designed to stymie even the most rudimentary impulses - even the first flickering of a dangerous originality.”