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

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

I jealously guard my research time and I love fully immersing myself in those dusty old books and papers. It's one of the most enjoyable parts of my job.

I always thought that bagels and lox was my soul food, but it turns out it's sushi.

Scotland consistently produces world-class writers.

The sky was a sparkling succession of black diamonds on black velvet made crystal clear by the blackout.

While I'm frustrated at the amount I'm expected to take on in the present, the 1950s woman was frustrated by being excluded - not being allowed to take things on at all.