If I see Marian Keyes' books or Patricia Scanlan's books given more prominence than mine in the bookstore, I'll move mine to the front. I've told them I do this, and they've confessed to doing the same thing to me.

Happiness is knowing and appreciating what you've got. I am very, very, very grateful for what, to me, is dead easy.

You're much more believable if you talk in your own voice.

I'm a great will maker. I've made my will every year since I was 21.

If you don't go to a dance you can never be rejected but you'll never get to dance either.

When my sister Joan arrived, I asked if I could swap her for a rabbit. When I think what a marvellous friend she's been, I'm so glad my parents didn't take me at my word.

I love thriller writers. My favourites are Harlan Coban, Lee Child, Ian Rankin, Kathy Reichs and Ed McBain.