I wrote a million words in the first year, and I could never have done that outside of prison.

The worst moment of any campaign is waiting for the sun to rise on the morning of the battle

Are parents always more ambitious for their children than they are for themselves?

It's one of the ironies of mountaineering,' said Young, 'that grown men are happy to spend months preparing for a climb, weeks rehearsing and honing their skills, and at least a day attempting to reach the summit. And then, having achieved their goal, they spend just a few moments enjoying the experience, along with one or two equally certifiable companions who have little in common other than wanting to do it all again, but a little higher.

And I did wonder - because it's now three years ago since I left prison - whether there would come a time when I would forget it, or it would be in the past as anything else might be - no, it's there every day of my life.

A strong man who has known power all his life may lose respect for that power. But a weak man knows the value of strength.

I'm passionate again about writing. This is important to me; it's got to be the comeback book.