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.

After my hip operation, I had to cut out butter, which I loved, and salt. I no longer eat desserts with lots of cream, and I've cut right back on alcohol.

I've seen a lot of people buy my books and then fall asleep on the plane soon afterwards.

The biggest influence on my books was the fact that I had worked in a newspaper for so long. In a daily paper, you learn to write very quickly; there is no time to sit and brood about what you are going to say.

Nobody is ordinary if you know where to look.

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.

You're much more believable if you talk in your own voice.