Maeve Binchy

We are all the heroes and heroines of our own lives. Our love stories are amazingly romantic; our losses and betrayals and disappointments are gigantic in our own minds.

I don't have ugly ducklings turning into swans in my stories. I have ugly ducklings turning into confident ducks.

There are no makeovers in my books. The ugly duckling does not become a beautiful swan. She becomes a confident duck able to take charge of her own life and problems.

The most important thing to realise is that everyone is capable of telling a story. It doesn't matter where we were born or how we grew up.

The most important thing to realize is that everyone is capable of telling a story.

We're nothing if we're not loved. When you meet somebody who is more important to you than yourself, that has to be the most important thing.

All I ever wanted to do is to write stories that people will enjoy and feel at home with.

I have been luckier than anyone I know or even heard of. I had a very happy childhood, a good education, I enjoyed working as a teacher, journalist and author. I have loved a wonderful man for over 33 years, and I believe he loves me, too.

Nobody is ordinary if you know where to look.

I have always believed that life is too short for rows and disagreements. Even if I think I'm right, I would prefer to apologize and remain friends rather than win and be an enemy.