When people are feeling insecure about their jobs and there are cuts to be made, it's hard to put up an argument that the film industry needs funding.

If you're supposed to be a 'personality,' then you might as well have a personality.

Success means your thoughts are worthy of everyones consideration.

I'm seen as a chronicler of the class system, which I don't think is unfair.

I don't think I'm an unkind person, I don't think my books are unkind, and I don't think my readers are unkind.

To me, all success is a delightful surprise, since one can absolutely never predict it.

Plenty of friendships are sustainable through dinners and lunches, but will not stand a week away. So be careful with whom you go on holiday.