A book is a story, even if it's non-fiction, and once I've read it, I have the story with me inside my head always.

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

Like most little girls, I found the lure of grown-up accessories astonishing - lipstick, perfume, hats and gloves. When I write female characters in my historical novels, getting these details right is vital.

Historical fiction of course is particularly research-heavy. The details of everyday life are there to trip you up. Things that we take for granted, indeed, hardly think about, can lead to tremendous mistakes.

There is something particularly fascinating about seeing places you know in a piece of art - be that in a film, or a photograph or painting.

Grabbing readers by the imagination is a writer's job.

The new contract between writers and readers is one I'm prepared to sign up to. I've met some fascinating people at events and online. Down with the isolation of writers I say! And long live Twitter.