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.

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.

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.

While I'm frustrated at the amount I'm expected to take on in the present, the 1950s woman was frustrated by being excluded - not being allowed to take things on at all.

Some people may like you, and some people may not, keep living your life dreams, you will succeed!

Vengeance is a delicious fruit, which must be allowed to ripen in order that it may be fully enjoyed.

Aaron Rodgers, starting quarterback - that just has a good ring to it.

Baptize the nations! far and nigh,The triumphs of the cross recordThe name of Jesus glorify,Till every people call Him Lord.

One thing nobody knows about me is that three of my fingers are edible, but I cant tell you which fingers.

He never said a foolish thing nor never did a wise one.

Make yourself useful, not just on a day to day basis, but as a lifetime thing.

Most musicians remain poor. But the music that they make, even if it does not bring them millions, gives millions of people happiness.

I just want to keep going with the soaps. Maybe it's because I'm just so used to them. I was 21 when I started 'Passions' and did that for nine years. It's what I know.

There are some friends you don't meet for twenty years and when you meet them again it's as if no twenty years has happened - you're lucky when that happens. I feel the same about books.