Let it simply be said that we know more about the details of the hours immediately before and the actual death of Jesus, in and near Jerusalem, than we know about the death of any other one man in all the ancient world.

Usually halfway through a book I have a serious depression, so I go on safari on my ranch in South Africa, or fishing off my island in the Seychelles. When I come back and re-read it, I think: 'What was all that about, Smith? It's fine, just get on with it.'

I don't want children. Why should I let some strange little monster into my life to destroy what to me is a perfect set-up?

My first novel was rejected by some of the most eminent publishers in the world. Starting again was a real wrench.

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

Herbert, my father, was born in Britain but went out to Africa in his teens to join his father and built up an 18,000-acre ranch in what was then Northern Rhodesia, providing work for the locals. He was my hero when I was a boy.

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