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.

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.

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.

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.

What is inherent inside you is your uniqueness and peculiarity

I have learned that to be with those I like is enough

I didn't really have any aspirations to do TV when I first decided to be an actor.

Lukewarm people call 'radical' what Jesus expected of all His followers.

Our biggest single theme is trying to make the NIH work better with the same amount of money.

If you educate children, then they are capable of so much - you empower them, you give them choices, and you enable them to create the lives that they dream for themselves.

Be fearless and don't be afraid of failure. There is no better way to learn than through trial-and-error.

If we don't believe in moral absolutes and then we get into a cultural-political debate, how are we going to win?

I would always love this fragile human girl, for the rest of my limitless existence.

The wise needn't ask, the fool asks in vain.