Writing about the 1950s has given me tremendous respect for my mother's generation.

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.

Christ did not ask or want to be what he was not.

We are given the potential to excel, whether we do or not is entirely up to us.

You can't change anyone else, but people do change in relationship to your change.

Oh, grown-ups cannot understand, And grown-ups never will, How short the way to fairyland Across the purple hill.

I get called 'Memphis Eve,' but my first name is Eve. I know Memphis is in there somewhere, but on my passport I'm 'Eve Sunny Day Hewson.

Ruth was probably the greatest athlete to perform in any sport. Never has there been anybody like him.

The fates have given mankind a patient soul.

To be believed make the truth unbelievable.

Most of our obstacles would melt away if, instead of cowering before them, we should make up our minds to walk boldly through them.

I am pretty bow-legged. It's annoying.