One Minute With: Kate Mosse, novelist

Mosse says: 'I write adventure novels about hidden women's history...inspired by real women...who stand up for what they believe.' (Rex Features)

Where are you now and what can you see?

I'm sitting looking out over False Creek on Granville Island, Vancouver. There are low clouds over the mountains.

What are you currently reading?

Nancy Richler's 'The Imposter Bride', one of the six books on this year's Giller Prize shortlist.

Choose a favourite author and say why you admire her/him

They change from week to week... But stalwarts include Emily Bronte, Willa Cather, MR James and TS Eliot.

Describe the room where you usually write

My tiny study in our house in Sussex. On the first floor, a cold fireplace, walls a deep red.

Which fictional character most resembles you?

Allan Quartermain – hero of 'King Solomon's Mines' – for his over emotional attachment to swashbuckling adventure, Pollyana – for looking on the bright side – and Lucy in 'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe', for wanting to go through the wardrobe to see what lies on the other side.

Who is your hero/heroine from outside literature?

I write adventure novels about hidden women's history... inspired by real women... who stand up for what they believe.

Kate Mosse's new novel, 'Citadel', is published by Orion. She co-founded the renamed Women's Prize for Fiction.