A word out of place or an interesting choice of vocabulary can spawn a whole character.

I believe the era of the militant lady is back.

Scotland just isn't terribly Tory.

Sometimes I create a character from a scrap - a mere mention that has been left behind.

I find it inspiring to actively choose which traditions to celebrate and also come up with new ideas for traditions of my own.

We can learn so much looking outside our core field of expertise.

As an historical novelist - there are few jobs more retrospective.