Truthfully, without over-egging it, as I often do, the library and journalism, those things made me who I am.

But that was just it - hate was exactly the right word. Hate is a force of attraction. Hate is just love with its back turned.

Belief was never mentioned at home, but right actions were taught by daily example.

If you get the characters right you've done sometimes nearly half the work. I sometimes find I get the characters right then the characters will often help me write the book - not what they look like that's not very important - what people look like is not about their character. You have to describe the shape they leave in the world, how they react to things, what effect they have on people and you do that by telling their story.

When much is taken, something is returned.

It's vital to remember who you really are. It's very important. It isn't a good idea to rely on other people or things to do it for you, you see. They always get it wrong.

Letitia! What a name. Halfway between a salad and a sneeze.