For me, writing stories set, well, wherever they're best set, is a form of cultural curiosity that is uniquely Scottish - we're famous for travelling in search of adventure.

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.

The foundation of adult trust is not "You will never hurt me." It is "I trust myself with whatever you do.

Prayer is an act of worship to God.

One has to commit a painting, ' said Degas, 'the way one commits a crime.

What can you say when your husband says: 'You can't expect me to remember your birthday when you never look any older."

Real tears are not those that fall from the eyes and cover the face, but those that fall from the heart and cover the soul.

Revolution may not be pro-Western or democratic.

When I lose, I take it very personally.

When you reach the top, that's when the climb begins.

I'm taking my rats. Those are my friends for the tour. Thelma and Louise. They're so cute.

He that is robbed, not wanting what is stolen, him not know t, and he's not robbed at all.