To expand on what I was saying about writer’s intuition: I think being a writer is like being a cook. At some point, you stop following the recipes and start making up your own dishes. You experiment and come to know how to create the flavour you’re looking for. (A dash of hot sauce here, a pinch of nutmeg there.)

You don’t over-think it, you just do it…

When you’re in the zone, something inside you says: ‘Take out that adverb. Reduce the conversation. Explain her surprise. Make her dress blue.’  (Or: ‘no Scottish brogue for Mr. H’s father!’)

And–voila! Suddenly, you’ve a dish you’d be proud to serve to company…