I've always written in a free, unencumbered way.

I've written what and when I want to. It's been about expressing myself. But with the degree, I had to learn to do everything in a very specific, disciplined way. I am very disciplined, but this demanded a totally different kind of discipline. A real challenge.

Yesterday I was playing Beethovens fifth, because I love that.

So, the combination of looking at lots of different people and how they react to each other and how they relate to each other and waiting for that inspiration is the thing that allows me to keep writing.

You don't have to be rich and famous. You just have to be an ordinary person, doing extraordinary things. I'd like more people to know that it's there. Women's achievements still aren't recognised enough in many areas.

Writing is all about self-editing; it's all about being present being aware of what's happening

Whichever age you are, that's the best age. I'm a very "now" person.