But I don't write about sex for today's teenagers. Or Doc Martens boots either. I'm more interested in exploring how exactly the world is run, which doesn't really change that much from one generation to another.

I met Richard Burton, an RAF cadet on a two-term course. I would have flirted more enthusiastically if it had not been for the horrid boils on the back of his neck.

People who don't read seem to me mysterious. I don't know how they think or learn about other people. Novels are a very important part of our education.

I am not a victim. I am an angry survivor.

I would hate to live in the country, unless I was living on a farm.

Life isn't so complicated for children. They have more time to think about the really important things. That's why I occasionally moralise in my children's books in a way I wouldn't dare when writing for adults.

Children often have a much stronger concept of morality than adults.