ROSIE THOMAS’S WORKPLACE

This is where I write. I live in a modern apartment on top of an old garment factory in central London. It’s open plan, but this space can be closed off from the main living area with a tall sliding door. It’s very quiet, even though I’m in the middle of the city. The windows look straight down to the water of the Grand Union Canal, and as there are no road bridges nearby there is no traffic noise. Occasionally there is the chug-chug of a passing barge.

I try to help my posture by balancing on the Swiss ball for an hour or two of the working day – but usually I’m slumped in my old office chair. I work surrounded by family photographs, mementoes and a jumble of Post-It notes to remind myself where character or a storyline is going.

It’s a sunny, comfortable place without too many distractions, and I’m always happy working here.