If you woke up each morning, and immediately dwelt on your ills, what sort of a day could you look forward to?

I was lucky enough to be fairly quick at understanding what was taught, but unlucky enough not to be really interested in it, so I always got my exams but never had the scholar's love of learning for its own sake.

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

I discovered that men were just like everyone else, really. They liked you if you were good-tempered and easy to talk to. And being a big girl meant other females trusted you more and confided in you.

I have great family and good friends; the stories I told became popular, and people all over the world bought them.

I don't think you're happier if you're thin or beautiful or rich or married. You have to make your own happiness. My heroines do not become beautiful elegant swans, they become confident ducks and get on with life.

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