As a child, my mother told me lots of fairy stories, many her own invention. She, too, tended to reverse the norm.

My mother told me many stories about her childhood in Cuba. Living there had a profound impact on her and how she regards herself.

Writing is writing, and stories are stories. Perhaps the only true genres are fiction and non-fiction. And even there, who can be sure?

I've been criticised for writing in too complex a manner for younger people.

Writers tell stories better, because they've had more practice, but everyone has a book in them. Yes, that old cliche.

Pirates have always fascinated me.