I think of myself now as a writer, although I wouldn't go as far as to say 'novelist' because that sounds like a Victorian person.

I don't read novels whilst I'm writing one; I just haven't got a wide enough brain to concentrate on incoming and outgoing in the same time zone.

There is a latent fairy in all women, but look how carefully we have to secrete her in order to be taken seriously. And fairies come in all shapes, colours, sizes and types, they don't have to be fluffy. They can be demanding and furious if hey like. They do, however, have to wear a tiara. That much is compulsory.

I'll always be a fat girl and I am happy with that.

It was my father who taught me to value myself.

In actual life I am a grumpy old bag.

When I wrote 'Dear Fatty,' I realised that sitting and writing alone is an absolute joy.