Will you lie to me and promise to read them? Books need to be read. The pages need to be turned.

I married two weeks after my 18th birthday, far too young, and by the time I was 23 I was a single mother of three small children, Sean, Daniel and Victoria, living in a prefab house.

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

My skin is dead good. I think it must be a combination of being in love and Lucozade.

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.

Now I know I am an intellectual. I saw Malcolm Muggeridge on the television last night, and I understood nearly every word. It all adds up. A bad home, poor diet, not liking punk. I think I will join the library and see what happens.

Yes, I hate it when people call me a 'national treasure'. It takes away your bite and makes you feel like a harmless old golden Labrador.