Writers are a product of where we come from but by looking at alternatives to the culture in which we live, we can find ways to change and hopefully improve it.

People make interesting assumptions about the profession. The writer is a mysterious figure, wandering lonely as a cloud, fired by inspiration, or perhaps a cocktail or two.

It is through our extended family that we first learn to compromise and come to an understanding that even if we don't always agree about things we can still love and look out for each other.

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.

Something I notice speaking to writers from south of Hadrians Wall is that the culture is different. At base, I think Scotland values its creative industries differently from England.

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

Writing about the 1950s has given me tremendous respect for my mother's generation.