Authors have odd relationships with their creations They owe their fame and fortune to their characters but feel enslaved by them.

There are many things in life that cannot be explained.

Until he lost all his money, my father was a successful north London Jewish businessman. He was unusual among his immediate family in that he was enormously cultured and had an incredible library.

Let me ask you a question Alex. What do you think is the greatest evil on this plant today?" "Is that including, or not including you?

What is this place? Hogwarts? -- Alex Rider

The platform underneath the balloon fell on her as she was trying to escape," she explained. "She was crushed." "I'd have been disappointed too.

Was it fate? Was it destiny?" "I think it was Alan Blunt.