I could fall for you in a heartbeat

His aim was the glory of God, but the glory of Philip pleased him too.

We all now tell stories by cutting from one dramatic scene to the next, whereas Victorian novelists felt free to write long passages of undramatic summary.

I like to create imaginary characters and events around a real historical situation. I want readers to feel: OK, this probably didn't happen, but it might have.

There is no point in asking a man a question until you have established whether he has any reason to lie to you.

I imagined it. I wrote it. But I guess I never thought I'd see it.

A very good editor is almost a collaborator.