But even writing the column for the 'Telegraph,' that idea of working to deadlines, which as an actor that's not something you have to do in the same way. It's excited me into wanting to do a bit more.

It's head and heart. I like to feed both. I always wanted to be an actor. But the cultural-intellectual side of things has always excited me. I wouldn't want to let it go.

When you are a free and independent writer, without employer, without hours or deadlines, you have to play little games to force yourself into the actual writing. For me, one game is to announce...that I have finally decided on my next book, that I am ready to write it...to put my pride on the line.

Obviously I've spent most of my working life with men and they have this way of operating which seems a bit alien to me.

You have an idea of the way you think it is, and it's not that way at all, it's something else.

There's something to be said for writing in the morning. At other points in the day, you're a bit more defensive.