I never imagined when I began writing in the early 1960s I'd become professional and my life would be transformed.

Will you lie to me and promise to read them? Books need to be read. The pages need to be turned.

Yes, I hate it when people call me a 'national treasure'. It takes away your bite and makes you feel like a harmless old golden Labrador.

Love is the only thing that keeps me sane.

I married two weeks after my 18th birthday, far too young, and by the time I was 23 I was a single mother of three small children, Sean, Daniel and Victoria, living in a prefab house.

Most social problems could be helped or prevented if people had more money and practical advice.

I don't know why women are so mad about flowers. Personally, they leave me cold. I prefer trees.

Every time I start a new piece of work, I spend a long while under the duvet thinking I can't do it.

There's only one thing more boring than listening to other people's dreams, and that's listening to their problems.

I think we take it for granted that if you are with your husband after 30 years, then he is the love of your life.

I am from the working class. I am now what I was then. No amount of balsamic vinegar and Prada handbags could make me forget what it was like to be poor.

May you find the strength to chase your dreams

Everyone thinks they're going to write one book of poems or one novel.

Boys and young men acquire readily the moral sentiments of their social milieu, whatever these sentiments may be.

Yeah, I think there are many other important things in life, not just tennis.

I have learned that what I have not drawn, I have never really seen

They are denied access to the more advanced techniques of releasing the kundalini energy, which bring about quantum leaps in self-awareness.

The sky slowly pulled up its blue dress to reveal night.

I intentionally built a business that has absolutely nothing to do with appearance.

I love everybody. Each one plays the role they have to play.

I love lots of different types of music, but it's music that has this up-swelling of beauty and emotion that is most important to me.