The concentration in my book on Marie Antoinette's childhood and on her family influences. It is surprising how some books actually start with her arrival in France!

I have seen all, I have heard all, I have forgotten all. marie antoinette

I hate the only one of my book jackets when I was made up professionally, my hair made into a smooth bell.

Her imperturbable self-confidence (Duchesse de Maine) caused Madame de Stael to write that the Duchesse believed in herself the same way she believed in God, without explanation or discussion.

I am re-reading Henry James as a change from history. I began with Daisy Miller, and I've just finished Washington Square. What a brilliant, painful book.

That is my major concern: writers who are in prison for writing.

Normally I make myself swim, do exercises. For zest I like going to the cinema.