How did you get started as a writer?
I’ve always written, but for a long time I saw it as a hobby I’d one day start to take more seriously. About seven or eight years ago the time came to do that, and I started to devote more time and energy to really learning my craft.
What’s your writing routine?
When I‘m in the middle of a project I have to write every day, but my life’s too chaotic and unstructured to have a regular routine! But I look in my diary every morning and identify a time when I can sit down and write, even if it’s just half an hour.
Pen or computer?
I tend to go straight to computer. Having said that, if I feel stuck I'll go over to longhand, just to free myself up. There’s something about my messy handwriting that switches off the editor in my head.
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Do you have any superstitions or lucky charms to help you write?
I don’t have superstitions or rituals. Nope. Coffee doesn’t count, does it? I can’t do anything without coffee...
Do you find writing easy?
Occasionally, but not always. I think that’s how it should be – there should always be an element of stretching oneself.
How do you celebrate when you’ve finished a book?
With a meal and a nice bottle of wine with my partner.
Who are your favourite authors?
Margaret Atwood, Ian McEwan, Haruki Murakami and Sarah Hall. Ask me next week, and you’ll get different answers, though…
Second Life by SJ Watson is out now. Join us on Tuesday, 24 February at 12.30pm on Twitter to chat to Steve #GHAuthorTakeover
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