Everyone assumes writers spend their time lounging around, writing and occasionally striking a pose whilst having a think.

The sky was a sparkling succession of black diamonds on black velvet made crystal clear by the blackout.

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.

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.

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

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

History at its best is a gritty, dirty business.