That's what this war is all about, my friend. It's about which of us is the crazier.And clearly you British have an advantage.You were crazy beforehand.

Often it's the latest novel that I've written that is my favourite. I'd been dreaming it for so long, living and breathing its story so that when it finally arrives as a newly published book, smelling wonderful and fresh out of the box, there is nothing like it.

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

I don't want to be separate from something that's important to me.

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

By the time I sit down and face the blank page I am raring to go. I tell it as if I'm talking to my best friend or one of my grandchildren.

Characters are the key to a good book. It took me several novels to comprehend that.