I read a ton of fiction - historical, contemporary, literary, commercial, I love it all.

I love what I call "re-imagining," where I throw everything up in the air and let it fall in a different way. It's not the most efficient way to write a book, but it's how I find the story.

All life's a risk, that's what makes it interesting.

I am one of those authors who believes (perhaps foolishly) that she is in complete control of the story.

I read a ton of fiction - historical, contemporary, literary, commercial, I love it all.

In the end, the best part of the whole book [The Nightingale ] to me was the research, reading about the courageous, ordinary French women who put their lives on the line to save others. It was really inspirational.

I'd extend an invitation to Lisbeth Salander. She would definitely shake the party up and get it started. I think she is hands down one of the most original, innovative, kickass female fictional characters ever.