She'd tried her hand at most things, but drew the line at honesty.

Good ideas are often murdered by better ones.

If you're from Dublin, for example, chances are you live with your family, if you're lucky enough to, right up to the mid-20s. And most of the people I know, when they finally sort of set off on their own, they don't stray all that far.

I like naming characters.

My parents were sixty years married.

I'm going to sound like an old man but at my age, it's lovely doing something that you've never done before.

Do be kind to yourself. Fill pages as quickly as possible; double space, or write on every second line. Regard every new page as a small triumph. Until you get to page 50. Then calm down, and start worrying about the quality. Do feel anxiety - it's the job.