I don't consciously watch and file lived moments for my work. I have a couple of writer friends who do that and it creeps me out, to be honest. I know people think I must do that too, but I don't. But I do have a long memory.

Who wants to be reputable? That's for golfers and tycoons with a sleazy past.

The end of the world begins in the sea we love.

Optimism is necessary even if you don't instinctively feel it.

Humour is God's special gift to humanity. Handy, because it turns out to be necessary.

We live in specific places. We are marked by a place.

In fiction 'issues' are accidental, sometimes incidental. The place and the people it creates are paramount.