Adele

I have many diverse interests; indeed, only in recent years was I able to finally settle on writing as my main creative focus. Ballet has fascinated me since childhood; the sheer beauty and spectacle of live performance, and the immense dedication and self-discipline of the dancers, whose gruelling careers are so fleeting, enchants me. I, however, have at least three left feet...

History, archaeology, mythology and folklore - and the intertwining of each of these - is most interesting to me. I rarely watch TV but, when I do, the few programmes I choose are most likely related to these subjects.

Philosophy and metaphysics have held my interest since my early teens, as my book collection attests. I have far too many books! I read constantly; always I have at least two or three books sitting on my chair-side table beneath the red and gold reading lamp.

Browsing antiquarian bookshops is something of a favourite pass-time also; I love the musty smell of old books and the simple fun of finding some long sought-after literary treasure. I’ve a fondness for Victorian novelists and poets, and for books filled with elegantly photographed home interiors, gardens or landscapes.

An interest in photography began while I was at art school, studying to become a fine art painter. I still paint, but photography seems more satisfying to me. The changing landscape is one of my main photographic subjects, and I’m fortunate enough to live in an area of outstanding natural beauty.

Gardening is another of my interests. The physical activity required to maintain my garden offers a valuable antidote to sitting in front of a computer screen for hours each day while I write! My cats usually make a point of supervising my green-fingered efforts, and my faithful dogs dig lots of holes in misguided attempts at helping.