Sixty felt like a big landmark. Not in a dreadful sense, but none of the other birthdays have bothered me. It's got labels on it - OAP, retirement - and I just wanted to take stock. I wanted to be in my greenhouse at home and at least give myself the opportunity of not working again.

I don't know if you can change things, but it's a drop in the ocean.

When I think of the future, I think of doing my washing so I've something to wear tomorrow.

Jane Austen was an extraordinary woman; to actually be able to survive as a novelist in those days - unmarried - was just unheard of.

Some people have a terrible stretch between family and work. It is a difficult thing to achieve.

I was having my teens in my 30s.

The money isn't a lure. I've done very well out of this business.