No more humiliation for me, thanks very much. No more swallowing my anger. Honestly, I couldn't manage another mouthful. But it was delicious. Did you make it yourself?

I loved being in my own head so much, it was getting harder and harder being with other people.

Political correctness is a minefield

I had spent my whole life feeling homesick. The only difference between the two of us was that I didn't know what or where home was.

I used to feel defensive when people would say, 'Yes, but your books have happy endings', as if that made them worthless, or unrealistic. Some people do get happy endings, even if it's only for a while. I would rather never be published again than write a downbeat ending.

I am prone to despair. We are all born with a particular personality. I get afraid and then I don't want to leave the house.

Do I mind being called a chick-lit writer? Well, it's not the worst thing that could happen.