I held out my book. It was precious to me, as were all the things I'd written; even where I despised their inadequacy there was not one I would disown. Each tore its way from my entrails. Each had shortened my life, killed me with its own special little death.

If you run away from trouble, it always follows.' Rather my impression, too. Though that never stopped me trying.

Pirates have always fascinated me.

I've been criticised for writing in too complex a manner for younger people.

I hate the way, once you start to know someone, care about them, their behavior can distress you, even when it's unreasonable and not your fault, even if you were really trying to be careful, tactful.

I like films, or some films, and would be intrigued to see my work on screen.

I haven't changed. Something's happened to me, that's all.