Books have a vital place in our culture. They are the source of ideas, of stories that engage and stretch the imagination and most importantly, inspire.

It is through our extended family that we first learn to compromise and come to an understanding that even if we don't always agree about things we can still love and look out for each other.

I always thought that bagels and lox was my soul food, but it turns out it's sushi.

Something I notice speaking to writers from south of Hadrians Wall is that the culture is different. At base, I think Scotland values its creative industries differently from England.

I jealously guard my research time and I love fully immersing myself in those dusty old books and papers. It's one of the most enjoyable parts of my job.

The sky was a sparkling succession of black diamonds on black velvet made crystal clear by the blackout.

I believe the era of the militant lady is back.

Without archives many stories of real people would be lost, and along with those stories, vital clues that allow us to reflect and interpret our lives today.

Research material can turn up anywhere - in a dusty old letter in an archive, a journal or some old photographs you find in a charity shop.

Writers of novels live in a strange world where what's made up is as important as what's real.

While I'm frustrated at the amount I'm expected to take on in the present, the 1950s woman was frustrated by being excluded - not being allowed to take things on at all.

Real intimacy is a product of solitude.

Doctor doctor, what do you say, lets put the id back in yid

Only the present counts.

The sense of spiritual relief which comes from rejecting the idea of God as a supernatural being is enormous.

I mock everything. Don't take it so personally." Adam Black

Sacrifice is a demonstration of pure love.

Each time I spend with Stella McCartney, I like her better. So I was excited to be asked by her.

When you said you were a terrible singer, I thought you were being humble. But you weren't.

Every love outside of HIS love, is pain.

I farm a little plot of things to say, with not much frontage on the busy road.