Miscellany
Archaic argot, unwanted updates, wrong routines, cosy cookbooks and library loan lock-ups – it’s a right ranty read in the wide world of writing
The problems of a literary night owl
Lionel Shriver, the author of thirteen novels, including her latest The Mandibles: A Family 2029-2047, told Alex Clarke of the Observer that her work-sleep routine puts her out of sync with the rest of the world.
She explained that she likes to work until 10pm, then go for a run, have a meal after midnight and go to bed about 4am.
‘The main problem with this routine is all these people who want to do things in the morning.’
The rest of the working world is shocked to find her still asleep in the middle of the day. ‘The disapproval is unbelievable. Even from delivery people. If I scramble into my robe and hustle downstairs at 10.30am – and they probably got up at 5am – the contempt drips off them. I have to stop myself from saying: ‘You don’t understand, I’m not some layabout. I actually have a job. I just keep different hours.”’