Novels: questions and Band 8 answers

Yes, I'm quite fond of fiction, to be honest. It's a brilliant way to switch off after a busy day at work. I usually get through a chapter or two in bed before falling asleep, which really helps me unwind.

I'd say I read almost every evening, even if it's just for twenty minutes. At the weekends, I tend to spend a bit longer on it, especially on Sunday mornings with a cup of tea.

I'm really drawn to mystery and crime thrillers because they keep me guessing right until the end. I love trying to piece together the clues, so I usually look for page-turners with unexpected plot twists.

Definitely. My parents always encouraged me to read, so I was a proper bookworm as a child. I remember spending whole summer holidays lost in fantasy stories about magical worlds and ancient mysteries.

I definitely lean towards traditional paperbacks. There's something lovely about turning real pages and the smell of the paper. I find staring at a screen all day quite tiring, so physical books give my eyes a break.

I don't think so, to be perfectly honest. Developing realistic characters and an engaging storyline takes a huge amount of patience and talent. I much prefer being a reader rather than trying to craft a story from scratch.