I think I'm brave because I've made decisions based - I hope not entirely selfishly - on what I think is right for me to do next.

If you write what you know about, you will always be on safe ground. I am very edgy and nervous about going into territories I know nothing about. That's why you don't find much high finance, group sex, or yachting parties in my stories.

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

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 was the big, bossy older sister, full of enthusiasms, mad fantasies, desperate urges to be famous, and anxious to be a saint - a settled sort of saint, not one who might have to suffer or die for her faith.

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

I look placid, you see, that's why people think I'm fine. Inside I worry a lot.