The sound of the pages turning was the sound of magic. The dry liquid feel of paper under fingertips was what magic felt like.

Something we do know is that review coverage does go to male authors more than women authors. That's a fact. I think it's one of those examples of unconscious bias: If you hire a lot of male journalists, they're more likely to pick up the latest Ian McEwan novel than the latest A.S. Byatt novel.

Any parent knows how to be the ideal parent.

Ma's still nodding. "You're the one who matters, though. Just you." I shake my head till it's wobbling because there's no just me.

I'm named after Jane Austen's Emma, and I've always been able to relate to her. She's strong, confident but quite tactless.

The sound of the pages turning was the sound of magic. The dry liquid feel of paper under fingertips was what magic felt like.

The way to my heart is through Belgian milk chocolate.