Writers have a well-deserved reputation for being eccentric. Everything you've heard is true.

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.

If nightmares can come true, and sometimes they do... then so can our happiest dreams.

Write a daily gratitude.

I'm a spy, Cam. I was born to do this- to be this. It's in my blood. And I will do it until the day I die. It's who I am... The thing is I don't think you realise is... it's who you are too.

I used to be obsessed about how I presented myself. I didn't want other people dressing me because I didn't want to be treated like a clothes horse.

We can all be heroes in our virtues, in our homes, in our lives.

Ever a glutton, at another's cost, But in whose kitchen dwells perpetual frost.

I think that people should do what their heart and soul tells them to do.

New!Loyalty is a fine quality, but in excess it fills political graveyards.

Nay, droop not, fellows; innocence should be bold.

*Only if you reject all the other paths can you discover your own path.