I certainly embrace all the movement that's going on these days about equality for women and equal rights. In general, I would apply that to all nationalities and all races. I think we do need more awareness, generosity, and compassion than we have right now. But in terms of feminism, I embrace it wholeheartedly. Not in a kind of militant way, but I've always known that it matters.

My husband knows me better than anyone.

I don't think I have the image that say, Judy Garland has, or Bette Davis.

You never feel lonely if you're writing, because you're living with all these characters in your head.

Because of the Thames I have always loved inland waterways - water in general, water sounds - there's music in water. Brooks babbling, fountains splashing. Weirs, waterfalls; tumbling, gushing.

I'd like to be an original, to be myself and not a pale copy of anyone else.

If you just literally stand still for a while, listen and think, things will eventually get sorted out.