Because I saw my parents relaxing in armchairs and reading and liking it, I thought it was a peaceful grown-up thing to do, and I still think that.

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

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

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

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.

I am not a member of Fat Liberation, nor do I think that obesity is healthy. But I do believe that in many ways my life has been a more charmed and happy one because I was always large.

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.