Do you have a favourite podcast, apart from ABR’s one of course?
This is by far the easiest question for me to answer. I do have a favourite podcast, and it’s called Fall of Civilizations. The title pretty much sums it up. I love it so much. Listening to it feels like being taken to a world with more textures.

What, if anything, impedes your writing?
The two main ones are distraction and the need to make money through non-writing work. I’m about to become a father, though, so I imagine that will take top spot.

What qualities do you look for in critics, and which ones do you enjoy reading?
I like criticism that engages deeply with a work and brings interesting readings to the text that I might not have seen myself. For those reasons, I admire the writing of Oliver Reeson and Khalid Warsame.

How do you find working with editors?
I have a great relationship with my editor at Text Publishing: David Winter. He champions my work, supports me when things aren’t going well, guides my writing in better directions, drinks beer with me, and makes my books better.

What do you think of writers’ festivals?
They’re great. I like getting about and meeting readers, and I like talking with other writers. The thing about festivals I rub up against are the themes and titles of all the panels – ‘writing strong characters’, ‘creating imaginary worlds’, ‘finding your voice’, etc. They often feel arbitrary and limiting. 

Are artists valued in our society?
I don’t know. Sort of? Not as much as athletes, that’s for sure. I don’t think about it much. I just try and get on with things. 

What are you working on now?
The final edits on my third novel, Limberlost. And a nursery.