I really struggled, growing up, with reading and writing. I had a hard time to do that, but I was really passionate about storytelling and about books.

When you're growing up with a learning disability, it shoots your confidence and belief in what you can accomplish academically; it really damages it.

It can't be articulated enough, that feminism means the desire to have equality between men and women. I believe that, and I act on those beliefs by going to marches and making a difference where I can.

Men should be able to see themselves in female characters and female strength, just as much as women are able to see themselves in male characters.

My family didn't have time for me, so I decided to join the Suvorov military academy, which is in St. Petersburg. I spent two years there and studied general military science. At that point, once I graduated, I joined the Chernigov higher education pilot academy.

That's my family; we have a very British sense of humour, very dry.

According to FBI statistics for 2008, only 22 percent of murder victims were killed by strangers. More than 30 percent were slain by family members, boyfriends, and girlfriends. Nearly half of all murders were committed by friends, neighbors, and casual acquaintances.

But with the steady disintegration of the family in modern society over the last century, the role of the school in bridging the gap has become vital!