Madness! Madness! Or, at least, a Window into that state.

When I’m writing, I tend to print out drafts, pieces of research, incoming e-mails that seem important – and so on – so gradually vanish under piles of paper to the point where all further progress remains impossible. Accordingly, at irregular intervals, in the interest of survival, I take a day or two off to clear up the mess and try and impress the world with my efficiency. Sometimes it is quite amazing what emerges from the piles – especially as I am prone to write on the back of the nearest available piece of paper since the piles mean that I can seldom find one of my pads.

A three year old would be more efficient, you will argue. Doubtless true, but few three year olds have been around the block enough times to qualify as thriller writers. I won’t be more indiscreet.

This year I decided to carry our various housekeeping tasks on my computer as well and can now say with authority that the combination of a PC and Windows may well be the most distracting invention since the invention of women.