Every time I start a new piece of work, I spend a long while under the duvet thinking I can't do it.

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 have decided to be a poet. My father said there isn't a suitable career structure for poets and no pensions and other boring things, but I am quite decided.

I have decided to keep a full journal, in the hope that my life will perhaps seem more interesting when it is written down.

I don't know why women are so mad about flowers. Personally, they leave me cold. I prefer trees.

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.