People often presume I'm from whatever country they're from. So Americans presume I'm American and the British presume I'm British. And they're surprised to discover I actually am Australian. And actually some Australians are surprised too.

There were also very special or dangerous items that had to be fetched in person, or even by large parties of armed librarians.

Please," said Lirael..."I think I would like to work in this Library." "The Library," repeated Sanar, looking troubled. "That can be dangerous to a girl of fourteen. Or a woman of forty, for that matter.

I certainly have had experiences of a sense of wonder at the world and a feeling that even though it could all be explained rationally, it still feels that there is more to it.

Bee stings are very educational

Fish and fowl, warm sun and shady trees, the field mice in the wheat, under the cool light of the moon.

Often, I get the feeling that the story is really happening somewhere and all I'm doing is trying to work out the best way to tell it.