Grabbing readers by the imagination is a writer's job.
As an historical novelist - there are few jobs more retrospective.
Writers of novels live in a strange world where what's made up is as important as what's real.
I'm a library user and I just don't hoard books. To me, they're for sharing.
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.
Researching books gets you into nothing but trouble.