Change occurs slowly. Very often a legal change might take place but the cultural shift required to really accept its spirit lingers in the wings for decades.

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.

No matter where we live on the planet or how difficult our situation seems to be, we have the ability to overcome and transcend our circumstances.

philosophy is not suited for the masses, what they need is holiness.

But I love stand-up, and it's where I came from creatively, so it's something I never want to walk away from.

I still believe I have a part to play for England.

Sometimes when you open the door to the past, what you confront is your destiny.

I never stood in a public house bar and alcoholic drink never touched my lips.

A sibling represents a person's past, present, and future.

The true neighbor will risk his position, his prestige, and even his life for the welfare of others.

The sun persists in rising, so I make myself stand

Never be afraid to learn. Have a good amount of resilience and enjoy the journey.