The vital accessories to my work are my reference books, such as the complete Shakespeare and a prayer book, and a large refuse bin.

When passion is mutual, there is always the danger of the fire burning to ashes.

The older one becomes the quicker the present fades into sepia and the past looms up in glorious technicolour

Emotions weren't like washing. There was no call to peg them out for all the world to view.

Once the grammar has been learned, writing is simply talking on paper and in time learning what not to say.

There are many things in this life capable of throwing people off course - the death of someone close, the loss of income or health, the realisation that cherished hopes cannot always be fulfilled

Being constantly with children was like wearing a pair of shoes that were expensive and too small. She couldn't bear to throw them out, but they gave her blisters.