At the end of the day, that's what a family is - a group of different people who accept each other.

I don't choose between my house phone and my mobile. I don't choose between my laptop and my notebook. And I don't intend to choose between my e-reader and my bookshelf.

Writers are a product of where we come from but by looking at alternatives to the culture in which we live, we can find ways to change and hopefully improve it.

I've always had a keen sense of history. My father was an antiques dealer and he used to bring home boxes full of treasures, and each item always had a tale attached.

Writers need each other.

As an historical novelist - there are few jobs more retrospective.

There is something particularly fascinating about seeing places you know in a piece of art - be that in a film, or a photograph or painting.