Films

Rob Chapman shares the reply to a teenaged letter, and explains how the circle was squared in his subsequent career.

Ali Knight, Nicholas Murray, Vayu Naidu, Sally Kindberg, Robin Blake, Caitlin Davies and Sarah Ardizzone discuss their favourite children's book.

Elizabeth Speller explains how she got her start as a writer and then a novelist, and warns against writing about trains.

Emma Darwin introduces the Instant Gratification Monkey, and his role as a productivity aid in her writing life.

Esther Selsdon, Mario Petrucci, Courttia Newland, Marina Benjamin, Hugh Stoddart and Nicola Baldwin discuss the books they are currently reading.

Louise Foxcroft describes her researches into the varied histories of drug addiction and diets, and despairs of dismissive attitudes to menopause.

Gabriel Gbadamosi finds his talisman, and his Yoruba spiritual counterpart, in a junk shop statue.

Hugh Stoddart, Courttia Newland, Marina Benjamin, Esther Selsdon, Nicola Baldwin and Mario Petrucci discuss their desert island book.