If you've been hurt and you've grieved and you've been through the mill, it takes a long time to get over it.

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.

It is the touch of a lover's arms that I so desperately crave, not the memories of a love no longer mine.

The purpose of water is to drink it but we swim in it for the fun of it.

If thinking is your fate, revere this fate with divine honour and sacrifice to it the best, the most beloved

When a mad man found some certain way to express his insanity in original way, he would get promoted to be called an Artist.... Wait, are you talking about me?

Every good and great idea must have a good window and doors

Thanksgiving is a time of quiet reflection; an annual reminder that God has, again, been ever so faithful. The solid and simple things of life are brought into clear focus.

If you rest on the finished work of Jesus you have already the best evidence of your salvation in the world; you have God's word for it; what more is needed?

A man, at times, gets something for nothing, but it will, in his hands, amount to nothing.

Wherever I find love I will accept it.

Luxury is something that makes you feel beautiful. I have a vintage silk kimono that definitely makes me feel beautiful and luxurious.