Why do you write?

It’s a thrill to build up a story and to inhabit characters. I’m alone and not alone – in touch with layers of life I’m not able to savour when I’m living it.

Are you a vivid dreamer?

No. I’m a vivid waker. Christina Stead called it ‘the 3 ams’.

Where are you happiest?

Right now I’m in a café (old style, quiet, friendly waiter) with a notebook, pen in my hand, thinking what to write. It’s about as good as it gets.