I think it's difficult, if you're a quite private person like I am, to write about your life very intimately.

I've never been a fan of euphemism.

They say revenge is a dish best eaten cold, but for most people, by the time it's ready to eat, they just don't fancy it any more.

I love everything about books. I love the content, the way they look and even the lovely way they smell. I think a book collection says something about you as a person, and certainly my books are something I'd want to pass on for future generations.

When I was a nurse I never had much money, and I was still happy then.

I buy smoked mackerel in a vain attempt at being healthy. I do actually really like it, and you don't have to cook it, which is handy.

My dad's a very sensitive man, but as the archetypal rebellious teenager, I didn't realise that.