Fly for me, Bird of the Sun.
I write my books in my head, and not in a specific study with a view. The view is from my inner eyes.
It’s a strange paradox that a man gifted with too many talents can fritter them all away without developing a single one to its full.
Sometimes it is best for men not to attempt to interfere with destiny. Our prayers can be answered in ways which we do not expect and do not welcome.
When I vacate this sack of old bones I won’t care what you do with it. Bury or burn it but don’t make much fuss.
I read all of Rider Haggard’s books. For me he had the romance of Africa with a little bit of mysticism. I’m delighted to be looked on as his heir and be categorised as an adventure novelist because that’s exactly what I am.
Cape Town’s beaches are superb and while the water on the Atlantic side is damn cold, it’s very pleasant on the other side. Bring your golf clubs if you play – Cape Town has some fabulous golf courses.
I go on a hunting safari at least once a year to Botswana, which is fantastic because we have a huge area of wilderness entirely to ourselves. My island covers roughly 55 acres, which again I have to myself, with nearly half a kilometre of private beach with my own jetties and boats.
Failure makes success so much sweeter, and allows you to thumb your nose at the crowds.
All my characters have got a big slice of me in them. A big piece of me, because it’s my dialogue and this is the way I think and talk.
I don’t want children. Why should I let some strange little monster into my life to destroy what to me is a perfect set-up?
Write for yourself, not for a perceived audience. If you do, you’ll mostly fall flat on your face, because it’s impossible to judge what people want. And you have to read. That’s how you learn what is good writing and what is bad. Then the main thing is application. It’s hard work.
They do say that socialism is the ideal philosophy-just as long as you have capitalists to pay for it.
I read a lot of biographies and books with an African background.
I love the sea as much as I love the veldt of Africa.
I grew up in Rhodesia on my father’s ranch and every year he used to take us on safari in some remote area of the wilderness.
I know it’s politically incorrect but I enjoy things like the kick boxing and cock fighting.