I think one of the most poignant things is unrequited love and loneliness.

Sometimes it is best for men not to attempt to interfere with destiny. Our prayers can be answered in ways which we do not expect and do not welcome.

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.'

beware of your most implacable enemy-yourself.

It's probably true that everyone has a book in them, although it may not be a very good one.

Every time one of my books sells a million copies in paperback, Pan Macmillan gives me a gold statuette of Pan. I have about 20 of them.

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.