Scotland consistently produces world-class writers.

I had never really understood what an adventure life could be, if you followed your heart and did what you really wanted to do, which is what we must all do in the end.

Books exist for me not as physical entities with pages and binding, but in the province of my mind.

Everyone assumes writers spend their time lounging around, writing and occasionally striking a pose whilst having a think.

Writing about the 1950s has given me tremendous respect for my mother's generation.

I've found myself moved by letters and diaries in archives as well as trashy, summer blockbusters. It's possible to make a connection with any kind of writing - as long as the writing is good.

We can learn so much looking outside our core field of expertise.