Shirley Hughes: ‘I realised that a book could be a little theatre’ | Books | The Guardian

You started writing full-length novels in your 80s - how did that happen?

When my husband died in 2007, I found work was a terrific help. That was when I started to think about the novels. I still try to get to my desk every morning by about half past nine. I work until late lunch and then I knock off. I have never worked in the afternoon. I%u2019ve always thought it best to get on with things in the mornings, when you are at the top of your energy. And then take it a bit easier after that.