What’s your favourite part of the process, and why?
What I call the ‘osmosis’ stage. You’ve got the brief, now you need to immerse yourself in a whole new world, research, read and absorb – and then, when you’ve soaked up all the good stuff, the words can start to flow.
What’s the best bit of advice you’ve ever been given?
If you’re stuck, get moving. The philosopher Nietzsche advised us to: “Sit as little as possible; do not believe any idea that was not born in the open air and of free movement.” While this might be a touch ambitious (writing is a pretty sedentary line of work after all), the sentiment is so true. We live in Sheffield on the edge of the Peak District, and whenever I’m feeling uninspired, I hook my spaniel up and head out for a walk. I always return refreshed – and I’ve almost always come up with an idea or solution.
What’s something outside of work that shapes how you think?
Anything related to art and design: illustration, printmaking, interiors, sculpture, fashion. I especially love drawing; it’s connected to writing in that it’s all about observation and translating emotion on paper. I find that creativity breeds creativity, and one thing can inspire another in a different medium or form. Some of my favourite nearby creative spaces are the Yorkshire Sculpture Park and The Hepworth Wakefield.