'The countryside is now the setting for my evolving relationship with my daughter as she grows. I watch her physically change in an ever-changing landscape. '

The countryside is now the setting for my evolving relationship with my daughter as she grows. I watch her physically change in an ever-changing landscape. I consider the mental shift that has taken place in order to return to Suffolk in my middle age.

'Business class flights out to Dubai, five-star hotel accommodation and three meals a day plus snacks... My God, I thought, are all lit fests like this?'

Business class flights out to Dubai, five-star hotel accommodation and three meals a day, plus snacks — all paid for. A greenroom where wine was served 24 hours a day. Chauffeur-driven cars... My God, I thought, are all literary festivals like this?

'We sat speechless in the echoing hall, each with our Princess Matic portable manual typewriter, a huge, orange plastic binder file and our bag of coloured key-caps. '

We sat speechless in the echoing hall, each with our Princess Matic portable manual typewriter, a huge, orange plastic binder file and our bag of coloured key-caps. As satisfying as Lego, these hid the letters from sight but each matched up to a finger.

'When I adapt a novel into an audio drama, I like to honour what the author has written. It's a privilege to walk in the shoes of another writer.'

When I adapt a novel into an audio drama, I like to honour what the author has written because it's such a privilege to walk in the shoes of another writer's creation. Who am I to say what needs to be changed?

'I'm secretly disappointed if the deadline is far off. If I sign a contract to deliver a book in two years' time, part of me thinks the whole thing will never happen.'

Sometimes I'm secretly disappointed if the deadline is far off. If I sign a contract to deliver a book in two years' time, part of me thinks the whole thing will never happen and I defer the work until the deadline looms.

'I was inspired to adapt a novel for radio because of a well-known cookery programme; a chef happened to be in the city where the novel was based.'

I was inspired to adapt a novel for radio because of a well-known cookery programme; a chef happened to be in the city where the novel was based, and mentioned the book in passing. Another was inspired by magpies in the park.

'I make toast. I remember I finished a jar of marmalade yesterday and have forgotten to get more I come back with marmalade and realise I forgot to plunge the cafetiere. '

I try to focus back on work while I make some toast. I remember I finished a jar of marmalade yesterday and have forgotten to get more from the outside store. I come back with the marmalade and realise I forgot to plunge the cafetiere.

'I represented Queen Mary University on University Challenge. It's not every day you get to team up with the lead singer of Iron Maiden, Bruce Dickinson.'

I represented Queen Mary University on University Challenge. It's not every day you get to team up with the lead singer of Iron Maiden, Bruce Dickinson; a TV presenter, Adrian Chiles; and Taiwanese chef. Ching He Huang.

'The writer needs mechanisms to maintain enthusiasm and minimise worry so that he can take full advantage of moments that afford the freedom to create.'

The writer needs mechanisms to maintain enthusiasm and minimise worry so that he can take full advantage of those moments that afford the freedom to create. This can also change the writer, requiring mental resources.

'I've used my nightie in workshops with serious-minded business people, in schools with cynical sixth-formers, in warehouses with fork-lift truck operatives. '

I've used my nightie in workshops with serious-minded business people, in schools with cynical sixth-formers, in warehouses with fork-lift truck operatives wearing high-vis vests, in hostels with former offenders. I've woven stories around it so often.