History at its best is a gritty, dirty business.

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.

Faith actually means surrender and commitment to the claims of Christ. It means an acknowledgment of sin and a turning to Christ.

obsession either boosts up feeling orjust blow it off . . .

Hard work and humility are essential for spiritual sadhana.

I learned that faith isn’t about knowing all of the right stuff or obeying a list of rules. It’s something more, something more costly because it involves being present and making a sacrifice.

The pride of men will not often suffer reason to have scope until it can be no longer of service.

You can't help hearing things that are popular when you're young and impressionable.

It is very common ... to tell graduates: dream and dream big. I say do more than that. When you dream you are in an unconscious state. It ends. You wake up. It's not real.

I lived through crises. September 11 is obviously the biggest one that I've lived through.

If you want to be a filmmaker, ask yourself if you could imagine doing any other job. If you can, that’s a script!

For all the saints who from their labors rest, Who, to the world their steadfast faith confessed, your name, O Jesus, be forever blessed Alleluia!