‘I’m like a puppy, if I don’t get out to the park, I get agitated’
I’m glad I was never tempted, because I can see how addictive it is. I’ve always done a lot of singing in folk clubs, etc, and I was so happy when the smoking ban came in. I do like a drink — a few glasses of red wine in an average week. More on holiday. I’m always driving, because I live in the country, so I’ve got used to socialising without alcohol.
Do you take any health supplements?
I go through phases; for a few months now I have been taking a vitamin and mineral supplement which is meant especially for women, and I do think that it’s helped boost my immune system. I travel a lot for my work, and I always hate the air in planes, but I’ve got through this whole winter without a cold, which is unusual for me.
How do you take time out?
Walking in the forest, singing/ playing my guitar and reading. I used to teach full-time as well as write, but for the last five years I have been a freelance writer. In theory, I should have more downtime than I used to, but it’s not unusual for me still to be working most days, doing school events, talks, etc. and so I often spend most of the weekend writing, just as I did in the bad old days. I am very good at relaxing — I spend plenty of evenings watching TV in my mum’s house.
How well do you sleep?
It varies. Generally I wake up at least once and may struggle to get back to sleep. But other times it’s not a problem. I do love sleep.
Do you worry about getting old?
It’s better than the alternative. My father died at 62, so I probably worry more about not getting old. But yes, I think age needs to be seen more positively in our society — maybe my generation will help to do that. I and my contemporaries turn 50 this year and one or two of them are a bit depressed about it, but I plan to have a party.
Star by Star, Little Island Books, by Sheena Wilkinson, priced £6.07