My childhood was a happy one, spent in a tall house in South Kensington and later in East Sussex, but my early and mid teens were less successful.

I never know which is worse: the sorrow when you hit the bird or the shame when you miss it.

You never know people, do you? You can work with 'em for twenty years; you don't know 'em at all.

For most directors, the scriptwriter is about as welcome on set as a member of the Taliban.

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.

I think every period - except for the 14th century, or something - has some merits.

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.