Lynne Reid Banks quotes:

The '50s in general are written off as a boring decade following the turmoil of the Second World War and its immediate aftermath - the postwar Labour government, the cold war, the arrival of the New Look in fashion, etc. But I remember it as a very exciting time - a pioneering, rule-breaking time, especially for the young.

I remember the mid-50s well. It was when my life changed, and I left acting to become one of the first female television news reporters in the U.K.

I remember the mid-'50s well. It was when my life changed, and I left acting to become one of the first female television news reporters in the U.K.

Pirates of the Caribbean, move over! Make room for a crew of mouse-privateers who will capture your hearts and stop your breath with their thrilling sea-going adventures! A wonderful story, full of bold mice, good and wicked, who will show you what courage really means.

The BBC is very good at period drama - world-famous for getting the details right.

The very people you trusted most could become like strangers in their longing...

Most men, if you just tell them what to do in a businesslike fashion, will follow directions without thinking about it. One proceeds on the assumption that they'll do as they're told, and they do.

I find writing for children much easier. I don't mean it's less demanding - you've got to have a talent for it and you've got to work very hard - but you don't have to pull your guts out and lay them on the line in quite the same way as when you're writing for adults.

Oh she's alright it's just that - I don't want to get mixed up with anyone in the house. I don't want to get mixed up at all with anybody anymore.