I spent my whole childhood trying to find places to be on my own. I used to sit on the water tank in the attic or in the dog's kennel. I was quite a strange child.
One reviewer dubbed my first book, 'Getting Rid of Matthew,' 'chick noir,' and another called it 'anti chick lit,' both of which I loved.
The best thing about a British winter is the cold weather, real fires, frosty mornings. I love living somewhere that has proper seasons.
I'm not a gossip. The worst thing anyone can say to me is, 'Ooh, I've got some gossip.' I'm like, 'Oh, shut up.'
I have a strong say in how my books are marketed, and the covers - I am very firm that I don't want pink and fluffy, or stick figures sitting drinking cocktails. That's simply not appealing to me.
In the winter, my failsafe dinner party menu has to be my roast chicken or a creamy fish pie with mashed potatoes on top, followed by something like a tarte tatin. My cooking style is quite homely.
I've always been very clear: I never want to be known just as somebody's girlfriend.
I'm such a solitary person that working on my own is perfect for me.
When I started working from home, I made a promise to myself to go out at least once a day.
I'm such a sucker for the Tiffany blue box.
I rarely go out at night - usually once every two weeks. I'm much happier staying in.
If I die, I know the news item would be, 'Partner of Ricky Gervais and novelist dies.' That would come first. But I've come to terms with it. As long as they do still add the 'and novelist,' that will be fine.
Bizarrely, I've been called selfish for not having children. Surely it's more selfish to have a child when you don't really want a child?
I started out working as a script editor and storyliner.
I was never one of those little girls who played with baby dolls and picked names for her firstborn. I was playing in the mud with my dog, doing backflips, and climbing trees.
I've got a really good group of friends. I don't feel the need to go out and forge new bonds.
I'm not a girly girl at all.
Painting my nails is the easiest way to look as though I've made an effort.
As an adult, I had to accept that I was not a natural distance runner. Anything more than about 400 metres had me gasping and wheezing like a broken accordion.
I've got no desire to be famous myself.
