I like the idea of being a novelist. I picture myself on the coast, the wind in my hair, horses galloping around me as I sit at my typewriter in the middle of a field.

The horrors of the world in general upset me. I cry when I think about how lucky I am with my lovely little family.

My most smelly job was at a kennels and cattery, and I basically spent all day scooping poop.

I used to be double-jointed in my hips, so I could put my toe in my mouth. That can't be classed as a talent really, rather a mild deformity.

I was a barmaid for my mum for years, as we lived above a pub. I still can't hear the Heartbeat theme tune without breaking into a cold sweat, as it used to start at the same time as my shift.

To be honest, it's a bit of a relief not having to be the party animal for a change.

People seem to trust you more when you're pregnant. I think they see you as some kind of Mother Earth figure.

I liked the idea of being an actress, but thought better of it.

Love is the power of being.

I did not want to make the widow record. I still haven't made the widow record.

I’m not sure what I’ll do, but— well, I want to go places and see people. I want my mind to grow. I want to live where things happen on a big scale.

While the work or play is on, it is a lot of fun if while you are doing one you don't constantly feel that you ought to be doing the other.

Each book has a secret history of ways and means.

We inevitably doom our children to failure and frustration when we try to set their goals for them.

Optimism is a competitive advantage.

I find men terribly exciting, and any girl who says she doesn't is an anemic old maid, a streetwalker, or a saint.

Growing up takes longer than you think.

When I started on Wall Street, there was pretty good diversity in those junior ranks. And you know what? It hasn't made it to the top.