I read all of Rider Haggard's books. For me he had the romance of Africa with a little bit of mysticism. I'm delighted to be looked on as his heir and be categorised as an adventure novelist because that's exactly what I am.

I read a lot of biographies and books with an African background.

A cynic had defined aid as simply the system by which poor white people in rich countries gave money to rich black people in poor countries to put into Swiss bank accounts.

I write my books in my head, and not in a specific study with a view. The view is from my inner eyes.

I have never had too much trouble for creative ideas to spring up in my mind.

When I vacate this sack of old bones I won't care what you do with it. Bury or burn it but don't make much fuss.

I want to be seen as a good storyteller. I'm a manipulator as well.