Author photo by Paul Medley

Q When did you start writing?

A Although I joined an evening creative writing class in the early Eighties, I didn't hold out much hope of ever writing more than a one-page poem, let alone a full novel. It was when I won a radio short-story competition that I decided to sign up for an English degree that included creative writing. After graduating, I taught English but continued to write short stories in my spare time. I found one of the stories getting longer and longer, until it became first a novella and then, to my astonishment, an actual novel. After a long spell looking for a publisher and making suggested alterations to the manuscript, Country Loving was finally published in 2002. I think the wait and the perseverance made it all the more exciting to be in print.

Q Do you have a routine?

A I'm definitely a morning person, so tend to go straight to the computer with my first cup of tea and write until around one o'clock. Then it's a shower or bath and lunch, followed by some much-needed physical activity - a walk, shopping. Often, I'll go back to the computer for another stretch in the late afternoon.

Q How do you get your ideas?

A I honestly don't know where they come from. Usually, I start a novel with one image - for example, someone getting ready to go to a book group meeting (Pure Fiction), or an ageing rock star being met by his son at a railway station (Play it Again?). I write the first few pages, and before I know it other characters are working their way on to the scene, then relationships begin to develop and so do storylines. I know some authors plan their novels in advance, but I couldn't imagine doing that. I like the element of surprise… sort of knowing what's going to happen, but never that sure.

Q What do you enjoy doing when you're not writing?

A Reading good-quality crime fiction, wandering fairly aimlessly around Oxford with my partner, and going to the cinema and the occasional pub quiz. Also, after years of cooking for others, eating a meal that's been made by someone else!

Q What's the most exciting thing that's happened since you became an author?

A It was seeing my first book in an Oxford bookshop, on display on a table, right next to William Boyd's latest.

Q What’s the best thing about spending your time writing?

A Where shall I begin? I just love it.

Q And the worst?

A Finishing a book, I think. Although it's satisfying, I miss all the characters I've been hanging out with every day for a year.