There are so many ways to do research - even watching old Ealing comedies, watching people getting on and off buses in London, looking at household interiors. Sara Sheridan busecomedyealing Change image and share on social
I once did an event with Ian Rankin where he said he didn't really need to do much background research because his books are set in the present, and I just thought: 'You lucky, lucky beast!' because as a historical novelist, I live constantly on the edge of wondering whether tissues had been invented. Sara Sheridan backgroundbeastbook share on social
I've never seen an 'English' books section in, well, an English bookshop, but in Scotland, most bookshops have a set of shelves dedicated to Scottish authors. Sara Sheridan authorbookbookshop Change image and share on social
Something I notice speaking to writers from south of Hadrian's Wall is that the culture is different. At base, I think Scotland values its creative industries differently from England. Sara Sheridan basecreativeculture Change image and share on social
The Best of Elvis Presley, Doris Day, Jerry Lee Lewis, Bill Hailey and the Comets, Frank Sinatra, Peggy Lee, Frankie Laine all topped the charts in the '50s. Load a playlist of rock n' roll royalty. You're spoilt for choice. Sara Sheridan 50sbillchart share on social
Personally I estimate about a third of my time is spent on author events, social media and traditional publicity. Sara Sheridan authorestimateevent Change image and share on social
I have an ambivalent relationship with Margaret Thatcher. She came to power in May 1979 - a month before my 11th birthday. I was far too young to have developed a great deal of political awareness. I remember it, though - my mother excited at the dinner table because Britain had its first female prime minister. Sara Sheridan 11thambivalentawareness share on social
My family spans many world religions, ethnicities and nationalities. The truth is that I don't have one identity. I'm Scottish, British, European, Humanist, Atheist and in part at least, culturally Jewish. Sara Sheridan atheistbritishculturally share on social
It's interesting that, given our culture has so many words that refer to women in a truly derogatory fashion, it's 'lady' - a term that has conferred social respect on our gender for over a thousand years - that has women up in arms. Sara Sheridan armconferculture share on social