One Minute With: Joseph Connolly, novelist

Joseph Connolly with author Mavis Cheek (Getty Images)

Where are you now and what can you see?

In my study at the top of my house in Hampstead. The joy of being up here is the fact that all I can see are trees so full that they blank out the surrounding buildings.

What are you currently reading?

Just finished Martin Amis's 'Lionel Asbo' which, as usual, was not credible and rather plotless, though crammed with wonderful sentences. He writes for writers.

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

Dickens for proving that you can be both literary and popular. Wodehouse because, obviously, he is The Master.

Describe the room where you usually write

The same room as above.

Which fictional character most resembles you?

I would love to say Sherlock Holmes for his brainpower, Bertie Wooster for his elegantly idle existence, or James Bond for his sheer tremendousness. But in truth I don't think I resemble any fictional character.

Who is your hero/heroine from outside literature?

I think it has to be Paul McCartney. I cannot remember a time when I haven't been hearing that unmistakeable voice, and his absolutely wonderful songs.

'England's Lane' by Joseph Connolly is published by Quercus