Free and fair access to books - to reading - is a right and one we should fight for.

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

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.

We are who we are, be­cause of those we choose to love and be­cause of those who love us.

Lots of people have objections to prizes of all types, and it would be extraordinary if everybody agreed on anything that's worthwhile - they never do.

Library campaigners are not prepared to stand by and watch something they cherish be dismantled brick by brick.

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