There is something particularly fascinating about seeing places you know in a piece of art - be that in a film, or a photograph, or a painting.

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’s the uncertainty of being accepted that creates the drama in our lives.

Life says: " Write down your experiences in a notebook, not on a blackboard. Don't start with a clean slate, but with a new page, so you can look back.

When you put your whole heart in something you risk just that. Your whole heart. It's a high roller's type of gamble. I can tell by your letters that you love with your whole heart.

Eyes are very appealing to me. I also like somebody who is interested in a career for themselves and can treat me like a normal person.

I got players with bad watches - they can't tell midnight from noon.

Music changes, but there's a timeless touch that we put to it, which I think is really important.

Some people like to travel by train because it combines the slowness of a car with the cramped public exposure of an airplane.

God forbid that women have fantasies.

One day if I do go to heaven...I'll look around and say, 'It ain't bad, but it ain't San Francisco.

I'm one of the people who believe the great lines come from either Western or bluegrass music.