Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I grew up on the Isle of Man, in a small council house with no central heating. I mention this because I'm convinced it had a strong influence on me reading (and then writing) science fiction and fantasy. As a family, we would huddle in the one warm room in the house, while some drab and dire programme played on the TV. Books were my escape from that mundanity. It was a happy childhood, certainly, but I needed wider horizons, the fantastical and the wonderful.
Describe your desk
I'm the sort of person who can't work in clutter. I wish I wasn't! But, in order to start work, I need a clear space and everything to hand and no distractions. My desk has a view into the garden and trees beyond - but only if I turn my head, which is probably for the best. The temptation to stare into space can be strong...
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