I appear permanently to be on the move.

Now back in England after having lived in Norway for four years, I'm in my 21st place of residence since I was born in Doncaster, England, in 1960.

Educated in Germany and England, I studied German, French, Linguistics and Life at university.

I write because I have to.

At the top of my list of favourite things are Marianne, Oscar, Charlotte, Kara, Alexandra, and a succession of cats.

The list of people I am indebted to, and who have influenced me, is endless, because it includes everyone I've ever been lucky enough to speak with for more than 30 seconds.