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I don't like to be alone, but I do cherish the moments that I'm alone with a good book.

I'll read pretty much anywhere and anytime, but for a while now, I've really enjoyed reading on flights, especially the longer hauls, when I'm unplugged from everything and can completely immerse myself in the world of a book and submit happily to its rhythms, perspectives, ideas.

The only thing I like about air travel is it gives me time to read.

For me, writing a novel goes on for years, and the solitude goes on, too. It tends to swallow me at times. I know it's a problem when my husband sends the dog in to retrieve me.

It's an interesting combination: Having a great fear of being alone, and having a desperate need for solitude and the solitary experience. That's always been a tug of war for me.

I love writing, and I love the solitude of the writing, in that you're just sitting there creating something from nothing, or a new story for characters you love and care about.

I try to get in quiet time and book time, but really, the only time I ever get that is when I'm on an airplane - I have a fear of flying, but I actually love flying because it's the only time I can sleep, and it's the only time I get to read.

Travelling is a great time to catch up on my reading. It's hard falling asleep in new places, but a good book always makes it easier.

Books support us in our solitude and keep us from being a burden to ourselves.

Aeroplane journeys give me quiet time to read and sleep; it's like being unplugged from the earth.