I've always felt that good writing does not have to be literary.

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.

Faith - The most precious asset you can build up for all generations.

Everybody must be given the opportunity for self liberation and development.

nothing but a soul can feel what the heart says nothing but a soul can understand what the mind says.

Jewish legend says that the world rests on 36 just men: only thirty six, but their moral strength is immense.

Remorse presupposes enough self-forgetfulness to feel the pain ofothers.

The world will die, but I shall not die.If God dies, then I will die;If he does not die, then why should I die?

Intolerance of your present creates your future.

Women had no clerical role anywhere in the Western world, period.

I never say I am a guru.

I don't know my natural hair colour. I haven't seen it for a while.