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

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.

The law don't like jazz clubs. No one wants anything to do with that kind of trouble.

Scotland just isn't terribly Tory.

To me, reading through old letters and journals is like treasure hunting. Somewhere in those faded, handwritten lines there is a story that has been packed away in a dusty old box for years.

I find it inspiring to actively choose which traditions to celebrate and also come up with new ideas for traditions of my own.

For me, writing stories set, well, wherever they're best set, is a form of cultural curiosity that is uniquely Scottish - we're famous for travelling in search of adventure.