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.

I had loved poetry and the theatre. Now I loved adventure more.

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

Researching books gets you into nothing but trouble.

Sometimes I create a character from a scrap - a mere mention that has been left behind.

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

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