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.

Copywriters, journalists, mainstream authors, ghostwriters, bloggers and advertising creatives have as much right to think of themselves as good writers as academics, poets, or literary novelists.

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.

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

Scotland just isn't terribly Tory.

To me, reading through old letters and journals is like treasure hunting. Somewhere in those faded, handwritten lines there is a story that has been packed away in a dusty old box for years.

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.