Bigotry is probably the thing I detest most.

The most important thing is to read as much as you can, like I did. It will give you an understanding of what makes good writing and it will enlarge your vocabulary.

I was convinced that the only thing I wanted to do ever - was write novels.

I think the next thing I publish will be for children, but I don't really want to be held to that because I also know what my next book for adults will be, and I really like that, too, so it depends. I've always had more than one thing going.

But I was the most unashamed lone parent you were ever going to meet.

The fame thing is interesting because I never wanted to be famous, and I never dreamt I would be famous.