I WAS reading from my new novel at Stoke Newington Literary Festival at the start of this month. It’s one of my favourite lit fests — that it’s all on the manor and walking distance is a big plus for me.

The first event I sat down for was Tracey Thorn talking about her book Another Planet, on growing up in the suburbs. Her music isn’t my cup of tea — I’m not saying I think it’s pony, it’s good. It’s just that I like other stuff. But I surely find her an interesting person and a good writer and that’s what I like about the smaller lit fests, it’s an ideal opportunity to delve into offside interests.

I’m not really one for French cooking either, or cooking in general, unless it’s the beigel house opposite my gaff or Bake Off’s Cherish Finden getting stern with a ruler.