The hips, of course, but also the mind, and sensory experience. I’ve just returned from a train trip across the American West and I have learned an important bit of research that I’m sure will end up in a book – I’ve learned that it’s very difficult to brush teeth on a moving train. Wouldn’t have known that if I hadn’t tried it.

I mention travel, because the things I see, experience, and deliberately research in my travels invariably end up in what I write. If I hadn’t spent time in Las Vegas I wouldn’t have known to describe the hot, dry night wind, having never felt it. If I hadn’t been to the Chedworth Roman villa in England I would never have gotten the idea for “(Like a) Virgin of the Spring”. If I hadn’t spent time in Los Angeles I wouldn’t be aware of the scent of jasmine that is mentioned in several of my vampire books. If I hadn’t been to Egypt – I would still have written about ancient Egypt because I’m barmy for that ancient time and place – but my description wouldn’t have been as accurate.

It is summer. Time to travel. Time to experience the new and different. You should go somewhere. Take one of my books with you to read along the way while you’re at it. I’m going to stay home and write for a while.