Very little happens in my books.

Best advice I've ever received: Finish.

Nowadays, if you have a journey, albeit a simple one, you consider yourself lucky if nothing happens.

The funny thing in France is that writers are not allowed to retire, because the French government say you are still earning money from books you wrote 20 years ago.

No matter what their background, the southern French are fascinated by food.

Sunglasses must be kept on until an acquaintance is identified at one of the tables, but one must not appear to be looking for company. Instead, the impression should be that one is heading into the cafe to make a phone call to one's titled Italian admirer, when--quelle surprise!--one sees a friend. The sunglasses can then be removed and the hair tossed while one is persuaded to sit down.

The English kill their meat twice: once when they slaughter it and once when they cook it.