I always wrote; my first story was published in the magazine The American Girl when I was 11

Sometimes life seems so painful it hurts even to move my arms.

I realised I'd never climb Everest but thought I could still write a book

Around the time I turned 30, I wanted to publish a novel

It took me nine months to write 60 pages. It was very frustrating

I love to sing. I'm a soprano.

If you're born lucky, you don't have to be good.