“When I first met my husband, he had a very good job - company car, pen...” — Marian Keyes Quote

“When I first met my husband, he had a very good job - company car, pension plan, grudging respect from his staff - the lot. I, on the other hand, was badly paid and devoid of ambition. Then I had a couple of books published and confounded all expectations by starting to earn more than he did.”

“I used to write in bed, starting when I woke up. I believe that creative work comes from our subconscious mind, so I try to keep the gap between sleep and writing as minimal as possible.”

“Optimism can be relearnt.”

“I don't know what to do with it. I'm very fortunate to have it, and it gives you room to maneuver. But the main thing about having money is it means you don't have to worry about it. And that for me is a lovely thing. It's not for fast cars and hookers.”

“My mother's sister was killed in a trolley car accident, so I was raised as one of eight with my sister and six male cousins.”

“I had a couple of car accidents when I was in my early 20s, and I used to have such a bad back.”