There have been times when I reread - or at least leafed through - something because I'd sent a copy to a friend, and what usually happened was that I noticed dozens and dozens of clumsy phrases I wished I could rewrite.

These days, there are a great many books about childhood trauma and its effects, but at the time all the experts agreed that one should forget about it as quickly as possible and pick up where you left off.

Wolf! Right here and now!

Wolves and those who see them are shot on sight.

I generally wade in blind and trust to fate and instinct to see me through.

I instantly chucked my academic ambitions and began writing fiction full-time.

I believe I encountered death, which was a bit too much for a seven-year-old.