It’s so intriguing to watch this tributary winding its way through current culture – the ironic, fantastic opulence of this Victorian Picnic (and don’t you love the rabbit?); the ongoing phantasmagoria of Dances of Vice (including, now, Shanghai Vice) – powered by steampunk, inspired by – what? Needless to say, everybody at the Poppy would fit right in at any of these events.

I don’t question – I don’t even examine – the prompts and urges and fancies that become the books and stories that I write; my process, such as it is, is an unconscious one, and I’m more than happy to keep it that way. But I’m obviously paddling this same river along with those beauties in the top hats and the guy who makes silver charm-and-leather sleeves for iPods. Where do you get your ideas?