I read a lot of thrillers, especially American crime novels.

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.

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

There’s only one difference between published and unpublished writers, and it is this -- the first group see their work in print on the shelves of Waterstone’s or Tesco or online at Amazon; the second group are yet to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.

People have different views of how you deal with different issues in literature, and, frankly, long may it last that there is a range of views.

Too often I am jealous and my jealousy leads me to say things-things-that I regret.

The message is clear: libraries matter. Their solid presence at the heart of our towns sends the proud signal that everyone - whoever they are, whatever their educational background, whatever their age or their needs - is welcome.