If you were going to learn basketball, you’d take a class. Same with painting. Karate.  French. Meditation. Paragliding. We learn best by learning from those who know.

Yet there’s a misguided idea that writers should forge ahead alone. It’s that outdated image of the guy alone in his garnet, scribbling and shivering into the small hours while the rain pours down and his landlady hammers on the door asking for the overdue rent.

This image isn’t helpful. It stops books being written.