I believe that being able to communicate directly with readers is a boon. I certainly enjoy it as much as they do.

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.

Don't try to impress people. Always be yourself!

By playing at Chess then, we may learn... First: Foresight. Second: Circumspection. Third: Caution.

Someday my paintings will be hanging in the Louvre. [Vincent Van Gogh]

I think one probably absorbs things like a sponge and things emerge without your always being aware of it.

Fashion isn't a necessity. It pulls at your heart. It's a whim. You don't need it. You want it.

Promiscuous ... was a word I had never applied to myself. Possibly no one ever does, for it is a sordid word, reducing many valuable moments to nothing more than doglike copulation.

T is the will that makes the action good or ill.

I believe in deeds, not words.

Dracula did bring a hell of a lot of joy to a hell of a lot of women.

We need to treat each other with consideration. In my world, the squeaky wheel does not get the grease.