I'm drawn to the 1950s for lots of reasons - everything from the fashion to the increasing sense of freedom and modernity that builds throughout the decade.

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.

Aim higher in case you fall short.

Every time God gives you prosperity and favor to attain His goals and you do not use it, the devil will lead you in another way

You cannot appreciate what you have never experienced. Sadly, full appreciation tends to come only after the experience is past.

The first shot does not beat you.

Usually New York has lousy salads.

The awakening of consciousness is the next evolutionary step for mankind.

When you walk inside the nature, nature also walks inside you!

The triumph of vegetation is total.

You act with your soul. That's why you all want to be actors, because your souls are not used up by life.

False eloquence is exaggeration; true eloquence is emphasis.