We all have one, whether we're writing a letter, email or just posting on Insta! I have two ...

The first is at home. We have a glasshouse ringed by rhododendrons and perched on a spot looking over the rest of the garden. Warm even in the chilly northern autumn and spring, out of the wind, quiet but with the door open there is a constant twitter of birdsong.



(If you look closely at the picture you will see I have worn the lettering off several of the keys of that keyboard after seven novels!)

My other favorite writing environment is a complete contrast. Business class on long haul flights (unfortunately I do too many of these. Just got a note from one airline that I've been around the world 20 times with them!)

Some people sleep or watch movies on long flights but for me there is nothing better for total undistracted focus than to be strapped in a comfortable chair for 6-20 hours, often in the dark, headphones on and tapping away at a keyboard while friendly people bring you food and wine! I grumble about the time away from home, but the time it gives for writing is golden...