Being a writer is a more difficult job than people imagine.

It is through our extended family that we first learn to compromise and come to an understanding that even if we don't always agree about things we can still love and look out for each other.

I always thought that bagels and lox was my soul food, but it turns out it's sushi.

Something I notice speaking to writers from south of Hadrians Wall is that the culture is different. At base, I think Scotland values its creative industries differently from England.

I jealously guard my research time and I love fully immersing myself in those dusty old books and papers. It's one of the most enjoyable parts of my job.

The sky was a sparkling succession of black diamonds on black velvet made crystal clear by the blackout.

I believe the era of the militant lady is back.

Without archives many stories of real people would be lost, and along with those stories, vital clues that allow us to reflect and interpret our lives today.

Research material can turn up anywhere - in a dusty old letter in an archive, a journal or some old photographs you find in a charity shop.

Writers of novels live in a strange world where what's made up is as important as what's real.

Books have a vital place in our culture. They are the source of ideas, of stories that engage and stretch the imagination and most importantly, inspire.

Life isn't a life without fitness.

Find someone who loves you more than you love them.

Mind of myth sees ghost.

All philosophers should end their days at Pythia's feet. There is only one philosophy, that of unique moments.

Originality is a quality that cannot be imitated. The technique of the language, on the other hand, is something that belongs to all who can understand it.

The axe of intemperance has lopped off his green boughs and left him a withered trunk.

Mortality means you don't have forever to work things out. You can live your life unexamined but then on the last day you're going to think: 'I've left things a little late.

Yesterday ended last night. Every day is a new beginning. Learn the skill of forgetting. And move on.

The British tourist is always happy abroad as long as the natives are waiters.

The camera is a natural attraction for a politician. And if a camera is here, we're going to be here. And we're going to say something, even if we have nothing to say.