Wisdom worth sharing, words worth remembering.
The most convincing argument against early parenthood is that you are in a relationship that is likely to fall apart before that child grows up.
The thing I care about is my weight – I'm as fanatical about it as a member of Girls Aloud. I weigh myself every morning. I know exactly what I want to be – 82kg – and I try to stick to it.
My principal motivation is supporting my family which is not a bad reason for getting up in the morning. That's always been my motivation – to take care of the people who rely on me.
I box for four hours a week and my diet is pretty healthy.
I have found having my dad as my North Star has worked well for me.
When he was born I looked at my little boy and felt an unconditional love I never knew was inside me. As he grew and I watched him stagger about squeak his first words and turn into a beautiful little boy that feeling did not change.
Largely this is a class thing – writers tend to be cosseted little middle-class kiddies who think that the world owes them a royalty cheque. But just doing it – being in your room for years on end locked in your head alone with invented ghosts – it weakens and softens the body. And I know I can't just live in my head.