I also read modern novels - I have just had to read 60 as I am one of the judges for the Orange Fiction Prize.

Up until about 12 years ago we never, ever, wore flak jacket or helmets but now the nastiness has got worse.

Hair is also a problem. I remember once, when I was reporting from Beirut at the height of the civil war, someone wrote in to the BBC complaining about my appearance.

I have never been attracted to any kind of violence.

I wrote in the book very specifically what I wanted to write about, period, and left it at.

I keep telling myself to calm down, to take less of an interest in things and not to get so excited, but I still care a lot about liberty, freedom of speech and expression, and fairness in journalism.

I've never been one to sit around and eat my heart out. Life's too short.