In Ireland every place you visit and every person you meet has a story. And they love to tell you their stories. Everyone is interested in everything; in a land of storytellers, you will never be bored.

I do try to live every day as if it were my last, and it has worked for me so far.

Of course I wanted children. Bright, gorgeous, loving children. I could almost see them.

I've been very lucky and I have a happy old age with good family and friends still around.

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

When I was younger, I avoided exercise or anything strenuous. I didn't even enjoy walking. As I got older, I spent so much time marking books or sitting at a desk writing that there was no room for exercise - not that I would have bothered anyway.

We have to make our own happiness, and we have to make our own decisions and play the hand that is dealt to us.