Novels arise out of the shortcomings of History.

It's because I'm a feminist that I can't stand women limiting other women's imaginations. It really makes me angry.

Well, I would hardly say I do write as yet. But I write because I like words. I suppose if I liked stone I might carve. I like words. I like reading. I notice particular words. That sets me off.

Our days weave together the simple pleasures of daily life, which we should never take for granted, and the higher pleasures of Art and Thought which we may now taste as we please, with none to forbid or criticise.

A surprising number of people - including many students of literature - will tell you they haven't really lived in a book since they were children.

Human beings love stories because they safely show us beginnings, middles and ends.

No mere human can stand in a fire and not be consumed.