The romantic idea is that everybody around a writer must suffer for his talent. I think a writer is a citizen of humanity, part of his nation, part of his family. He may have to make some compromises.

I don’t think that digital photography is romantic yet. It’s not sympathetic the way that film is.

I was also the romantic lead in The Boston Strangler – I was the only one that lived to tell the story – so I called myself the romantic lead.

It’s good to be able to be a leading lady, to be a romantic lead, to play opposite people who are talented, and charismatic and stuff.

I want to do all kinds of things. I want to do some comedy. I’d love to do a romantic comedy, and I’d love to do some period pieces with classical text. I’d love somebody to cast me as Macbeth, but for a film. I just want to be all over the place.

We have got too many kids around the house to have a romantic meal at home. But Danielle is a fantastic cook. She does a brilliant lasagne, great roasts and a great chilli dish. She knows the way to my heart.

If I had no family, my wife and I would lead a much more romantic and nomadic existence.

Although some people think I am a romantic novelist I have always thought of myself as a rather gritty radical historian.