'I wasn't quite prepared for how emotional the process would make me feel.'

The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart author on writing for her ancestors, tea, and her life-long love affair with words.

'I think I told a few people to mind their own business.'

'If you don't believe it, you'll never convince anyone else.'

'I need at least one big idea, something I’m aching to say.'

"I thought about giving up and throwing it all out about 50 times."

'My family are the reason I sit my backside on the chair every day.'

"Deadlines are my heroes."

"Keep your powder dry."

"Try to get an agent you adore."