I don't choose between my house phone and my mobile. I don't choose between my laptop and my notebook. And I don't intend to choose between my e-reader and my bookshelf.

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.

Anyone with half a mind could see that, " said Tiffany.Miss Tick sighed. "Yes. But sometimes it's so hard to find half a mind when you need one.

Slow but steady wins the race.

I suggest that going to Mars means permanence on the planet - a mission by which we are building up a confidence level to become a two-planet species.

The essence of a university is free and open inquiry, and when it loses that it is no longer a university.

I discovered something amazing, which has caused a lot of controversy - the fountain of youth. I have to keep it a secret!

Mom was always doing something for somebody. She came from a Czech background, one that made her a devout Catholic and gave her a strong belief in the family.

Anyone that hates on you is always below you, because they're just jealous of what you have.

My wife and daughter have accused me of being too silent at breakfast but I don't want to talk when I don't have much to say.

Private Joker is silly and he's ignorant but he's got guts and guts is enough.

The welfare state has always been judged by its good intentions, rather than its bad results.