I was trained in classical piano, but it kind of dawned on me that classical pianists compete for six job openings a year, and the rest of us get to play 'Blue Moon' in a hotel lobby.

I play piano and trumpet. I studied classical guitar.

I know I'm a rare person, a trained scientist who writes fiction, because so few contemporary novelists engage with science.

I never took guitar lessons. I took classical piano lessons from the age of six when we lived in Holland.

The fact is, the heart and mind aren't always friendly.

And in my case, they're barely speaking.

For me, writing time has always been precious, something I wait for and am eager for and make the best use of. That's probably why I get up so early and have writing time in the quiet dawn hours, when no one needs me.