Wherever my story takes me, however dark and difficult the theme, there is always some hope and redemption, not because readers like happy endings, but because I am an optimist at heart.

But I didn’t dare. That has always been my trouble. I’ve never dared enough.

That's what sailing is, a dance, and your partner is the sea. And with the sea you never take liberties. You ask her, you don't tell her. You have to remember always that she's the leader, not you. You and your boat are dancing to her tune.

Live an interesting life. Meet people. Read a lot and widely, learn from the great writers

I was never a great reader, but there were two stories I loved best: Kipling's The Elephant's Child and The Jungle Book. Deep down, I've always wanted to write a book about a wild child and an elephant.

Stories make you think and dream; books make you want to ask questions.

You know, I really wish now I'd had the nerve to become an actor. Because I'd have been Robert Redford, no question.