All a writer wants is to be read, and people are so flattering and lovely. I mean, there are witches out there as well. But most are so kind.

I really like clever men who challenge you.

Women basically want the same thing - a good passionate story, a great fantasy - and for our partners to do the laundry and the washing up.

I don't think [Fifty Shades of Grey is] a model for anything. Except maybe in bed.

I do not look at the world in terms of black and white - and I find people who do rather scary. I think it's all shades of grey.

It's much easier to wear your pain on the outside.

So you've just slept with him, given him your virginity, a man who doesn't love you. In fact, he has odd ideas about you, wants to make you some sort of kinky sex slave.