One of the most satisfying things about writing From a Saint to a King was doing the research. The story actually starts in the seventh century and comes all the way forward to the present day; it truly was an amazing journey.

Researching something as far back as that is a learning curve in itself. The people you contact, the internet sites you visit, the places you visit, the time spent in reference libraries and the wonderful people you might have to interview; as I did. It is very time consuming, but very, very rewarding.

Research can take on many forms, and for varying reasons. You may just be constructing your family tree, or you may – as I was, writing a history book! I have recently had to research the work of geologists and also the history of Merlin the legendary Wizard from King Arthur's time. This was for a children's book; all good fun, but not if you don't have the time to do it?

• If you don't have the time … I have!
• Let me do the spade work while you are getting on with the more important stuff, like writing!