Everybody's idea of a great book is different, of course. For me it's one that makes my jaw drop on every page, the writing is so original.

A great book begins with an idea; a great life, with a determination.

Two must-haves for me are a great book and my iPod.

I have two rules for a great book: make me think and make me smile.

Lots of people can write a good first page but to sustain it, that's my litmus test. If I flip to the middle of the book and there's a piece of dialogue that's just outstanding, or a description, then I'll flip back to the first page and start it.

Gil Thorpe is a great diversion and is to book writing as poetry is to prose.