I'd never be where I am if more successful writers hadn't taken an interest in me and done me a good turn.

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.

Nature is pleased with simplicity. And nature is no dummy

The people who truly matter, would surely love you unconditionally for being true to yourself. So why worry about those who wouldn't accept you?

... Of his sins [Heavenly Father] does not want [man] to think [on them] too much: once they are repented, the sooner the man turns his attention outward, the better [Heavenly Father] is pleased.

Modern poverty is not the poverty that was blest in the Sermon on the Mount.

In our particular society, it is the narrowed and narrowing view of life that often wins.

You can't go wrong with love.

Sometimes I wish I could just fall in love. Then, at least you know who your opponent is.

I am perfectly confident that the man who does not spend hours alone with God will never know the anointing of the Holy Spirit.

How could I have ever for a moment believed I wasn't in love with him?

A thousand pieces of gold may hardly bring a moment's happiness, but a small favor can cause a lifetime's gratitude. Too much love can turn to enmity, while aloofness can produce joy.