I'd love a day devoid of responsibilities. I've often thought about going to a hotel just to have a day away from everything.

I am the world's worst diabetic.

I've always loved books. I'm passionate about them. I think books are sexy. They are smooth and solid and contain delightful surprises. They smell good. They fit into a handbag and can be carried around and opened at will. They don't change. They are what they are and nothing else. One day I want to own a lot of books and have them nbear to me in my house, so that I can stroll to my bookshelves and choose what I fancy. I want a harem. I shall keep my favourites by my bed.

Barry Kent's father looks like a big ape and has got more hair on the back of his hands than my father has got on his entire head.

I'm spectacularly disorganised. I wrote my latest book in seven different notebooks scattered throughout my house.

I never imagined when I began writing in the early 1960s I'd become professional and my life would be transformed.

I took my sight and mobility for granted.