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As a point of fact, I am not used to making frequent appearances in public, except at times when it is required.

Today, writers want to impress other writers.

I'm not a public figure; I shouldn't have to be held to a certain standard of beauty.

Public appearances are a headache. I hold mine down to a minimum.

Providing a writer isn't put off by conventions - and some are - attending them can be a nice break from the necessary isolation of writing.

I think most writers feel like they're on the outside looking in much of the time. All of us feel, to a certain extent, alienated from the stuff going on around us.

The treasure of a writer is to maintain their own style.

A lot of writers, especially crime writers, have an image that we think we're trying to keep up with. You've got to be seen as dark and slightly dangerous. But I'm not like that and I've realised that I don't need to put that on. People will buy the books whether they see a photo of you dressed in black or not.

The great thing about journalism is that there is so much exposure to all kinds of people who can turn up later as characters, whether you intend it or not.

Appearance rules the world.