The book thief has struck for the first time – the beginning of an illustrious career.

Somewhere in all the snow, she could see her broken heart, in two pieces.

I think to be writer you have to enjoy being alone. I was a loner as a teenager and was always drawn to characters in books and films who were at the fringes.

Even enemies were an inch away from friendship.

I had to decide what I was going to do, and what I was going to be. I was standing there, waiting for someone to do something , till I realised the person I was waiting for was myself.

And they would all smile at the beauty of destruction.

She gave 'The Dream Carrier' to Max as if words alone could nourish him.