I am not a fan of historical fiction that is sloppy in its research or is dishonest about the real history.

There comes always a moment when the desire to act, however ill the cause, is stronger than the wish to listen.

There’s only one difference between published and unpublished writers, and it is this -- the first group see their work in print on the shelves of Waterstone’s or Tesco or online at Amazon; the second group are yet to have physical evidence of the hours, weeks, years spent fashioning words into their patterns. You are already a writer.

I really like people and I keep friendships. I have people from all parts of my life.

Usually I decide on what it is I'm writing next by the books I'm reading.

What we attempt to do is not without danger. What we attempt to do may not succeed. But it is right and it is just. We act for the good of all.

People think that I'm very serious.