Interview: Jeffrey Archer, Author

Published on Friday 23 October 2009 14:56

Who would attend your fantasy dinner party? The Indian novelist RK Narayan, Thomas Jefferson, Oliver Cromwell, Dame Celia Johnson, Iain Macleod, Catherine The Great and Anne Boleyn. We would have champagne and shepherd's pie.

Who did you last text and what was the message? I don't send text messages.

It's not cool but... I'd rather watch Margaret Tyzack in Shakespeare than Matt Lucas in Prick Up Your Ears.

What's the best piece of advice you've ever been given? There are 24 hours in each day, but that doesn't mean you only have to work eight of them.

What's the worst job you ever had? A petrol pump attendant in the holidays.

Who is your favourite fictional character? William in Just William by Richmal Crompton.

What are you afraid of? Women in fundraising committees – I've never known a more determined breed.

Did you have a nickname growing up? Runnerbean – I used to run at school.

If you could choose a profession that you would like to try, what would that be? Auctioneering.

What is always in your fridge? Cheddar cheese and Diet Coke.

If you could change something about yourself, what would it be? I'd like the eye of a ball-player.

If you could travel back in time, where would you go? I wouldn't want to, but if I had to, 1940, the year I was born – for a second chance.

Saturday night or Sunday morning? Saturday night for theatre and dinner.

Who or what is the love of your life? The thing I most look forward to is the opening night of a play.

A re-crafted version of Kane and Abel by Jeffrey Archer is out now to mark the 30th anniversary of its publication (Macmillan, 6.99).

This article was first published in The Scotsman on 24 October 2009