The law don't like jazz clubs. No one wants anything to do with that kind of trouble.

Research material can turn up anywhere - in a dusty old letter in an archive, a journal or some old photographs you find in a charity shop.

I care about a lot of issues. I care about libraries, I care about healthcare, I care about homelessness and unemployment. I care about net neutrality and the steady erosion of our liberties both online and off. I care about the rich/poor divide and the rise of corporate business.

I've found myself moved by letters and diaries in archives as well as trashy, summer blockbusters. It's possible to make a connection with any kind of writing - as long as the writing is good.

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

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

Researching books gets you into nothing but trouble.