HOW I WRITE Rosanna Ley

Rosanna Ley is the bestselling author of eight novels. The former creative writing tutor lives in Dorset. Her new book, The Lemon Tree Hotel, (Quercus) is out now.

A typical work day for me includes writing and a decent walk – usually along the cliffs where I live to get some sea air and hopefully some inspiration. If I write a scene from scratch and do a first revision in one day, I’m ecstatic.

Writing evolves in a way that is both surprising and exciting. I used to go with the flow, but lately I have become a meticulous planner. but creative writing is also about spontaneity, so I prefer things not to be written in stone.

My writing room has a sea view. My desk is an Ercol table and I have a

French day bed (supposedly for lounging, but actually covered with papers and books). but my favourite writing space is being propped up against a rock watching the sea with my notebook.

I get ideas by listening to people, the radio, going to interesting places, reading, walking and thinking.

The hardest part of the writing process for me is the beginning. It takes a while to get into a book and I have to keep telling myself to keep going – it will be all right. at the end I can always go back and make it better. I really enjoy editing.