Dear Bernard, I’m in a bit of a pickle. I’m currently writing a bit of a sci-fi story, or at least I was. I’m not expecting it to be published or anything, it’s just that I’d really like to finish it. The problem is I’ve barely started it, and I’m already lacking inspiration to write it. I like my ideas; I’m just finding writing it to be a bit of a bugger. I was wondering if you have any advice on that? I’m still only 18, so maybe I just can’t hack it yet. But on a lighter note, I have a few questions. Did you ever receive professional criticism from someone you admired? JK Rowling (my favourite author next to you!) said she had, and it was a big blow. Also did you ever find you needed a specific confidence to write about characters like Wellington who actually existed and may not have done the things they did in your books? All of my Thanks, James Trethowan