After you've read a novel, you only retain a vague memory of its contents. You remember the atmosphere, the odd image or phrase or vivid cameo.

If you want to write something of length, however modern and radical, you must live the life of an elderly gentleman of the 1950s.

Listening to Chris Moyles on Radio 1 is the most miserable thing any human being can do, but attending awards ceremonies isn't far behind.

The real change that paintings undergo is in the perceptions of the viewer.

The moon puts on an elegant show, different every time in shape, colour and nuance.

I couldn't really see the point of having lunch unless it started at 1:00 and ended a week later in Monte Carlo.

The best way to prepare for a night out with a Shakespearean tragedy is to do a bit of reading up in the afternoon, eat a light supper - perhaps Welsh rarebit - and then arrive early to do some stretching exercises in the foyer before curtain-up.