1. When and why did you begin writing?
At about seven, because it gave me a high like nothing else.
2. Who has influenced your writing?
Everyone I've met, everything I've seen, whether a medieval statue or a stranger on an airplane.
3. Who is your favourite author?
If I must pick one... the tireless, political, passionate, hilarious Charles Dickens.
4. Why did you pick the setting for this book?
I wanted to write a story of confinement but give the prisoners natural light, so I chose a shed with a skylight. I made the setting America (a) to distance my story from the real events that first put the idea in my head, the Fritzl case in Austria, and (b) because it was America that invented the modern cult of celebrity.
5. How long did it take you to write Room?
Between research and drafting and rewrites - about a year. Publicising it is taking considerably longer, which is a first for me!
6. What are the best and worst things about being a writer?
The downside is the endless admin, since you're running your own business. The upside is getting to make things up out of words and find they become real, not only for you the writer but for strangers anywhere in the world who pick up your book.
7. What is your typical writing day?
Nine to four at my laptop, while the kids are in daycare and school.
8. How do you get yourself started on a book?
Daydreaming, researching, planning - sometimes years of it.
9. Do you set yourself targets? And how do you reward yourself if you reach them?
I don't set myself word minimums but I do use deadlines; I'll tell my agent I'll show her a story on a certain date, and then I'll push myself to stick to that.
10. If you were recommending Room to a friend how would you describe it?
Room is... surprisingly enjoyable considering its terrible premise.
