Open your mind to new experiences, particularly to the study of other ­people. Nothing that happens to a writer – however happy, however tragic – is ever wasted.

Creativity doesn't flourish in an atmosphere of despotism, coercion and fear.

Charm is often despised but I can never see why. No one has it who isn't capable of genuinely liking others, at least at the actual moment of meeting and speaking. Charm is always genuine; it may be superficial but it isn't false.

Books of quotations ... afford me one of the most undemanding but satisfying forms of reading pleasure.

Don't just plan to write - write. It is only by writing, not dreaming about it, that we develop our own style.

the most successful marriages were always based on both partners feeling that they had done rather well for themselves.

Increase your word power. Words are the raw material of our craft.