I remember watching myself on video and being so disappointed with myself because I was constantly moving around the place and laughing. I thought, 'I must be so much louder than I think I am. From inside it feels fine.'

I have been lucky enough to travel a lot, meet great people in many lands. I have liked almost everyone I met along the way.

The great thing about getting older is that you become more mellow. Things aren't as black and white, and you become much more tolerant. You can see the good in things much more easily rather than getting enraged as you used to do when you were young.

I didn't have a sweet tooth, but I liked butter, and I liked sauces, and I liked wine and curry and cheeses.

Women who start out as ugly ducklings don't become beautiful swans. What they mainly become is confident ducks. They take charge of their lives.

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

My memory of my home was that it was very happy, and that there was more fun and life there than there was anywhere else.