There is still a funny notion that women should not write violent fiction. Val McDermid fictionfunnynotion Change image and share on social
We weren't dirt poor, but there was no spare money kicking around. While it was very much understood that the way to a better life was through education, books were a luxury we couldn't afford. But when I was six, we actually moved opposite the central library, and that became my home from home. Val McDermid affordbookcentral share on social
It was a bit unimaginable when I began that I'd ever get to 25 books. But it was also unimaginable how much crime-writing would have changed. Val McDermid beginbitebook Change image and share on social
I have a vernacular house on the seaside in Northumberland and an Edwardian semi in south Manchester. They're both exactly as big as they need to be. I can't be doing with an ostentatious, big house - you can only be in one room at a time. Val McDermid bigedwardianhouse share on social
I don't think of myself as Scottish or lesbian when I sit down and write. I am glad I have broken out of that limited audience. Val McDermid audiencebreakglad Change image and share on social
On one hand, you've got 'decent' men, and on the other you've got neanderthal misogynist bawbags - and the middle ground is what's disappearing. Val McDermid bawbagsdecentdisappear Change image and share on social
Sometimes fear is used as a way to control. Val McDermid controlfear Change image and share on social
A lot of reality TV is repellent, but that doesn't diminish the qualities of some of the people who take part. There are decent people in there who have no alternatives. Val McDermid alternativedecentdiminish Change image and share on social
I think Jane Austen builds suspense well in a couple of places, but she squanders it, and she gets to the endgame too quickly. So I will be working on those things. Val McDermid austenbuildcouple Change image and share on social
Walking by water frees your creativity. I don't know how it works - there's something about it that's liberating. Val McDermid creativityfreeliberate Change image and share on social