My wife likes history and documentaries, but I'm not so keen on them. I generally go and do some work if there's one of those on.

I remain, however, fairly optimistic for the future of period drama because it's just such a popular thing.

I had a very high opinion of my father's judgement of things and he said, "You better get a job that pays the bills because a writer doesn't make any money. If possible, get a job that allows you to write in your spare time."

I suppose I have the tastes of someone who teaches at a university in the provinces.

Rebecca Eaton has made an enormous contribution to the cultural life of America, and, more than that, she is one of the most fun people I know.

The writer in movies is about as low as you can get and you really are a hired hand. You are paid a lot of money to be treated like dirt.

I always do like to write love stories, even if they end tragically.