[on writing wartime titles such as 'Bomb Girls' and 'Season of Darkness'] I had always wanted to set a novel then, but it never seemed the right time, that there was the right amount of interest. The war focus was always on the men and the battles and the landings. This is a way of saying, 'Hey, women were doing dangerous work too'.

[on an experiment she has undertaken to ensure her writing authenticity] Do you know the Imperial War Museum in London? You can go on their website and order a week's supply of wartime rations. I didn't go for the two ounces of butter - it would have gone rancid on the way to Toronto - but the others have just arrived: a tiny jar of jam; a little chocolate; a tiny, a tiny packet of tea. Really, there's only a day's worth for a serious drinker.