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

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.

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

Writers need each other.

Often we don't notice the stringent rules to which our culture subjects us.

It is one of the benchmarks of a culture I always think – the page at which it operates. A good way to measure it is to order a taxi and see how irate local people get if it is late.

I had never really understood what an adventure life could be, if you followed your heart and did what you really wanted to do, which is what we must all do in the end.