On the first day of school, my father told me I'd be the most popular girl and everyone would love me and want to be my friend. It wasn't so, but it gave me an enormous amount of confidence.

I have no idea whether what I write will be of the remotest interest to anyone else. Some mornings when I read what I wrote the previous day I think it's fairly entertaining; other times I think it's pure rubbish. The main thing is not to take any notice, not to be elated or upset, just keep going.

You can't lay down laws for what people think and hope.

I think I was dealt a good hand. I have happy genes.

If I had my life to live all over again, I really think I would have been a fit person. Looking around me, I realise that the men and women who walked and ran and swam and played sport look better and feel better than the rest of us.

We're nothing if we're not loved. When you meet somebody who is more important to you than yourself, that has to be the most important thing.

I don't have ugly ducklings turning into swans in my stories. I have ugly ducklings turning into confident ducks.