Every novel presents a slice of life. A noir policier for example presents one slice, one that perhaps addresses social dysfunction or some sort of pathology, while mine present a slice that is more upbeat and affirmative.

[Edinburgh] is a city of shifting light, of changing skies, of sudden vistas. A city so beautiful it breaks the heart again and again.

There are many women whose lives would be immeasurably improved by widowhood, but one should not always point that out.

I write four books a year. I'm very fortunate that I write quickly; around 3,500 words a day. Being strict about delineating my writing time and personal life, as well as keeping distractions at bay, is the only way I can accomplish this.

When you allow people to do what they wish, then that is what they do. They stop doing the things they need to do.

The telling of a story, like virtually everything in this life, was always made all the easier by a cup of tea.

Self-pity does not appreciate pedantry.