My creative freedom. I was the creative director of a large fashion brand when I packed it all in to pursue my writing.

An apocalypse escape vessel – a steel hull ice-capable sailing boat for all the family that has almost zero electronics and is manual operation throughout – armed with an array of weaponry.

A mink coat in 1975 (it was the done thing then). It cost me £5,500.

My first car, three years ago – a Toyota Verso.

I had some gynaecological issues that were very sudden, about 18 months ago, and felt that I might be dying. I wasn’t but it was quite serious.

Julie Hesmondhalgh – she’s the kindest, brightest, most truthful woman. She’s so talented, works hard, cares about the right things, puts her energy in the right places. I adore her.

High self-esteem.

I never finished The Second Sex by Simone de Beauvoir.

I am consistently disappointed in the music industry. Every time someone says that I’m underrated, that feels extremely disappointing because I’ve done my end of the bargain.

I’d have gone solo sooner.