Before I became a suspense novelist I wrote romantic suspense as Alicia Scott.

Most recently we've been working in concert situations rather than clubs. because there aren't too many rooms there like Ronnie Scott's that are pure music rooms where people come specifically to listen to music.

I've done movies with a sword before. But I haven't really been given the full responsibility of something like a Ridley Scott film.

Clearly if it is sensible to hold a referendum on independence it is crucial that we have one on marriage. It is the only way the country can move forward on this issue. Let all those who have a view on this subject place their trust in the Scottish people and let Scotland decide.

For 'So Cold the River ' I'm actually working on adapting the book with Scott Silver who was just nominated for an Oscar for 'The Fighter ' and who also wrote '8 Mile ' which I think is a terrific screenplay. The chance to work with Scott is a tremendous pleasure and I'm learning a lot.

This is truly a blessing. Breyon Prescott Peter Edge and Tom Corson believe in me and have introduced me to a home that also believes and knows exactly what to do with the type of music I'm doing.

Prescott National Forest is right on the edge of my home in Arizona.

I just read an 800-page history of the Scottish Enlightenment and honestly I may as well just start it again now because I cannot remember a single thing. I can barely remember where Scotland is.

I've started looking at my own father a bit funny. He assures me though that I really am the son of a Scottish postman.

My theory is that all of Scottish cuisine is based on a dare.