Scotland just isn't terribly Tory.

Something I notice speaking to writers from south of Hadrians Wall is that the culture is different. At base, I think Scotland values its creative industries differently from England.

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.

An Aunt is a safe haven for a child. Someone who will keep your secrets and is always on your side.

The new contract between writers and readers is one I'm prepared to sign up to. I've met some fascinating people at events and online. Down with the isolation of writers I say! And long live Twitter.

Researching books gets you into nothing but trouble.

People make interesting assumptions about the profession. The writer is a mysterious figure, wandering lonely as a cloud, fired by inspiration, or perhaps a cocktail or two.