Jill Dawson: One minute interview

Where are you now and what can you see?

I’m in the kitchen of my house in the Cambridgeshire Fens. There’s a big window and I’m looking at a load of abandoned chairs and a wheelbarrow (we call that our garden) and a fabulous view all the way to Ely Cathedral. I never tire at staring out over the fields, watching the tractor with its little trail of birds. The emptiness is calming.

What are you currently reading?

I’m reading This Sweet Sickness by Patricia Highsmith. I’ve read all of the Ripleys and quite a few of the others; they’re really addictive.

Choose a favourite author and say why you admire her/him

I love Richard Yates. There is never a comma out of place and I love the precision and the chaste lyricism in his work. I find his writing doesn’t spell too much out, leaving a lot of space for me to feel things, and so I always do. And there’s lots of poignant stuff about class and masculinity.

Describe the room where you usually write

I write in my study at the top of the house. I have blankets in there, and a lovely old desk I bought with my first novel advance, and Lime and Basil scented candles and salted caramel chocolates – I’ve done everything I can to make myself want to spend time there. Trouble is, it has a couch too and I often fall asleep.

Which fictional character most resembles you?

I identify with Lisa Simpson, especially with her feelings towards Homer.

Who is your hero/heroine from outside literature?

I have close friends I really admire. I don’t think I have any heroes.

Jill Dawson’s latest novel, ‘The Tell Tale Heart’, is published by Sceptre