1. Almost all reviewers have mentioned your grandfather, J.R.R. Tolkien. You must have known that that was going to be a big topic of interest to a lot of people. How did you prepare yourself for the inevitable?   answer   2. To what extent has your grandfather been an influence on your work? answer 3. You also mention in your author's note that the connection dissuaded you from writing for a long time. What finally made you decide to go for it?   answer   4. Who has inspired you as a writer? answer 5. What kind of experience do you want your reader to have? answer 6. What kind of process do you use to write? Any advice for struggling writers? answer 7. One of the themes of "Final Witness" (The Stepmother) is the British class structure. How big of an issue is this today in the UK?   answer   8. Another theme of "Final Witness" (The Stepmother) is what one generation inherits from another. What have you inherited from your grandfather?   answer   9. It seems that it might be difficult to write from a fictional, outside perspective on your own profession. Did you find it challenging to not unconsciously revert back into your professional mindset or "role" of a barrister while writing this novel? Any surprises in the way being a lawyer affected your persona as author?   answer