All I ever wanted to do is to write stories that people will enjoy and feel at home with.

My father went to work by train every day. It was half an hour's journey each way, and he would read a paperback in four journeys. After supper, we all sat down to read - it was long before TV, remember!

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.

We are all the heroes and heroines of our own lives. Our love stories are amazingly romantic; our losses and betrayals and disappointments are gigantic in our own minds.

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

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

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