I got married young, far too young, but it is fine. We are still married 48 years later. I got married at 19.

I write fiction. I make things up, it's what I do.

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

Don't worry about writing a book or getting famous or making money. Just lead an interesting life.

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.

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. I know the sun will rise in the morning, that there is a light at the end of every tunnel.

I got married young, far too young, but it is fine. We are still married 48 years later. I got married at 19.