I've been obsessed with stories since I was a kid so it's no surprise that I ended up writing for a living.

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.

May the goodness of God's face forever shine on our path.

Where were you then?Who else was there?Saying what?Why will the whole of love come on me suddenly when I am sad and feel you are far away?

Bring forth a spiritual idea that will never fade.

From time to time, just about every Vanity Fair writer has a chance to sell rights to an article or a book to Hollywood.

The age of 40 is not a death sentence.

There'll be two dates on your tombstone and all your friends will read 'em but all that's gonna matter is that little dash between 'em.

Women hold the power because we have the vaginas. If you're in a heterosexual relationship and you're a female, you win.

Every great mistake has a halfway moment, a split second when it can be recalled and perhaps remedied.

Silence is the sea, and speech is like the river. The sea is seeking you: don't seek the river. Don't turn your head away from the signs offered by the sea.

I try to do better than what I have before.