One Minute With: Ann Cleeves, crime writer

Cleeves says: 'As I get older I'm drawn by old people behaving outrageously'

Where are you now and what can you see?

Sitting at my kitchen table in Whitley Bay. I can see clutter, books and a snowy suburban garden.

What are you currently reading?

'The Sound of One Hand Killing', by Catalan crime writer Teresa Solana. Translated crime is my reading passion.

Choose a favourite author and say why you admire her/him

This is impossible and changes every time I'm asked. At the moment it's Christopher Fowler. I love the wit and playfulness of his Bryant and May books. As I get older I'm drawn by old people behaving outrageously.

Describe the room where you usually write

It's the kitchen. There's a long table covered with my husband's optical stuff – he's an ornithologist. One corner looks like the recreation of a Shetland croft kitchen.

Which fictional character most resembles you?

Jo in 'Little Women'. Not very original. I'd guess lots of female writers would choose her.

Who is your hero/heroine from outside literature

Lee Hall, who's fighting ferociously to stop Newcastle council's cuts to libraries and arts.

Ann Cleeves's new Shetland novel, 'Dead Water', is published by Macmillan