Wherever I go in the world, people all know about Scotland Street and are always asking me about what's going to happen to the characters next. Alexander McCall Smith characterhappenpeople Change image and share on social
With '44 Scotland Street' I found myself having to work out how a daily novel works, and it is completely different to a conventional novel. Alexander McCall Smith completelyconventionaldaily Change image and share on social
I have three older sisters, so we were a reasonably large family and, in general, a happy one. Alexander McCall Smith familygeneralhappy Change image and share on social
Botswana is actually very peaceful. It's democratic. It never was in debt. They've been fortunate, they've had diamonds. Alexander McCall Smith botswanadebtdemocratic Change image and share on social
As a writer I've learned certain lessons. One of them is to be careful about how you put a view, and to bear in mind how easily and readily you'll be misinterpreted. Alexander McCall Smith bearcarefuleasily Change image and share on social
I write four books a year. I'm very fortunate that I write quickly; around 3,500 words a day. Being strict about delineating my writing time and personal life, as well as keeping distractions at bay, is the only way I can accomplish this. Alexander McCall Smith accomplishbaybook share on social
My parents were very supportive and always encouraged us. My father was a gentle, nice man. My mother was quite a colorful character and a keen reader who encouraged me to write. Alexander McCall Smith charactercolorfulencourage Change image and share on social
One of the most destructive things that's happening in modern society is that we are losing our sense of the bonds that bind people together - which can lead to nightmares of social collapse. Alexander McCall Smith bindbondcollapse Change image and share on social
The point of opera is that people are moved by the emotions and music. Alexander McCall Smith emotionmovemusic Change image and share on social
Serial novels have an unexpected effect; they hook the writer as well as the reader. Alexander McCall Smith effecthooknovel Change image and share on social
