I find it inspiring to actively choose which traditions to celebrate and also come up with new ideas for traditions of my own.

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.

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.

The Christian does not think God will love us because we are good, but that God will make us good because He loves us.

Laughter is ever young whereas tragedy except the very highest of all quickly becomes haggard.

At 18, I felt I was too young to think about having my eggs frozen.

At 26, I felt myself a victim rather than a victor in the realm of pictures.

What is needed is never to be had without price.

People who know me now can't believe I used to be shy, but in some ways I still am.

Individuals in a university - students, faculty, staff - can choose to become politically engaged, and a free university should foster a climate in which those are natural choices.

I'm not a real big fan of penises. Like my own, whenever I look at it, I just don't find anything attractive about it. I can't believe girls are into it. It blows my mind a little bit.

What you set your heart upon, surely shall be yours.

Stupid people are dangerous.