I've always associated the moment of writing with a moment of lift, of joy, of unexpected reward.

Whether it be a matter of personal relations within a marriage or political initiatives within a peace process, there is no sure-fire do-it-yourself kit.

The way we are living, timorous or bold, will have been our life.

The external reality and inner dynamic of happenings in Northern Ireland between 1968 and 1974 were symptomatic of change, violent change admittedly, but change nevertheless, and for the minority living there, change had been long overdue.

Once I was on the job, once I had got started, I felt safe enough, but the anticipation made me tense.

I don't miss teaching. I'm learning to take my time for myself.

Then as the years went on and my listening became more deliberate, I would climb up on an arm of our big sofa to get my ear closer to the wireless speaker.