On Sunday evening, I attended an event with Maggie O'Farrell, author of the now very famous Hamnet. I saw the film (emotionally devastating, and entirely worth it!) and knew I wanted to hear her speak about her work and creative process.

Most of the Q&A centred on her new book, Land. It draws loosely on the stories of her ancestors' lives, on deep research into the people and history of Ireland across centuries, and on her own creative flow - pulling it all together, building emotional connection, bringing to life characters you want to get to know.

I really see writing as a kind of magic. And I find it fascinating when real magicians - writers, artists, creatives - can speak openly about how they create without destroying the mystery, or the miracles held within the process.

Towards the end, an audience member asked about the difference between writing a novel and writing a screenplay. She shared that the novel is entirely independent, the words are her's alone, her full responsibi...