Everybody is a hero in their own story if you just look.

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

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

I have been luckier than anyone I know or even heard of. I had a very happy childhood, a good education, I enjoyed working as a teacher, journalist and author. I have loved a wonderful man for over 33 years, and I believe he loves me, too.

I couldn't have children, so that's the bad side. But compared to everything else I have, it's not all that terribly bad. I count my winners rather than my losers.

I had a very happy childhood, which is unsuitable if you're going to be an Irish writer.

In my stories, whenever there's somebody wonderful and charming and bright and intelligent, that's me!