MY LIFE FLORA FRASER

Flora Fraser is a writer and historical biographer who grew up between the Highlands and London. Her latest book Pretty Young Rebel – which tells the story of her namesake Flora Macdonald – was published last year.

First record bought?

Lazlo Tabor and his Gypsy Orchestra. Foretelling my later marriage to a Hungarian.

Book that changed your life?

Henry Treece’s Horned Helmet, I’ve been an aficionado of military history ever since.

Most expensive purchase? Ticket to India at college.

First job?

Grand Met Scottish Services tea girl at Kishorn oil rig.

Favourite time of day?

Early morning. Birdsong and coffee is an unbeatable combo.

Last time you cried?

At the cinema. I’m often still sobbing when the film ends.

Worst fashion faux pas?

White platform shoes with black tights in the 1970s.

Favourite holiday destination?

Greece. Superb swimming, tops for temples.

Idea of holiday hell?

I love Atlantic beaches, but fear swimming in the water because of Jaws.

Biggest phobia? Being bored.

What are you watching on TV?

Vera always. May Brenda Blethyn emerge from that Land Rover in her trusty mac with the solution forever.

Favourite movie?

Casablanca or Cabaret. Humphrey Bogart and Liza Minelli share all the sadness and the joy in the world.

How do you relax?

I walk. Come hell or high water.

Best advice you’ve been given?

From my father: Think ‘Champagne’ as you enter a room. You will smile and shine. Even if only beer’s on offer.

Who you last spoke to on the phone?

My daughter Stella or my sonin-law, Alex, or my three-yearold granddaughter, Little Flora, who likes to commandeer her parents’ mobiles.

First thing you did this morning?

Got to my desk. By hook, by crook or by any other means known to mankind.

Worst mistake?

Not taking a job at the Egypt Exploration Society after college. I might have ended up an archaeologist.

Your inspiration?

All the writers who have been at the coalface before, Horace onwards.

Would most like to meet?

Anyone my son Tommy dates. He’s 23 and has still not introduced me to one of them.

Childhood crush?

Alan Breck in Kidnapped. Alcibiades. Heathcliff. Byron.

Weirdest fan gift?

A heart-shaped Camembert on Valentine’s Day.

Quirky habits?

I can only write with purple Pilot Hi-Tecpoint 0.5 pens.

Worst meal?

Fried eggs. I hate those crinkly edges.

What makes you laugh?

Comedians on Instagram, above all my son Simon @ simonloveshighnoons.

Most embarrassing moment?

Sitting at a Sunday lunch, then slithering upright as a priest who was present said grace.

Sean Connery or Daniel Craig?

Sean Connery. A first love in You Only Live Twice.

Beauty is?

Like poetry, emotion recollected in tranquillity.

A Casablanca moment.