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.

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.

A book is a story, even if it's non-fiction, and once I've read it, I have the story with me inside my head always.

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.

We can learn so much looking outside our core field of expertise.

The new contract between writers and readers is one I'm prepared to sign up to. I've met some fascinating people at events and online. Down with the isolation of writers I say! And long live Twitter.

History at its best is a gritty, dirty business.