I’m an at age where most of my friends have kids. It’s lovely. I get to give out presents and have cuddles and, when it’s time for a nappy change, I can just – hand them back.

When I had my book launch at the Legion, my brother, Danny, brought his children and, as much as Kelsey was only little and had very little idea of who anyone was, she gave me the biggest hug. She’s such a little sweetheart. That hug made the night.

Don’t get me wrong, I’d love to have children. I truly believe that having a family is nothing to do with sexuality but rather a human need. We all want to see some version of ourselves moving into the future. And those of us who don’t have much in terms of family anymore love the idea of seeing some echo of our parents in our babies.

I went to a party some years back, and a friend of a friend asked if I was going to have children. I replied, quite correctly, that I didn’t know. She asked me if I wasn’t leaving it a little late to start a family. I was twenty-six. There’s no fixing stupid, I suppose.

Don’t worry, lovelies. I consider myself not completely dead yet. I’ve got some time to play with yet.

In any case, spending time with my friends’ kids is great. It gives me a glimpse of a future that, at least, might be.

In the meantime, as of last night, I have started a new project. I’ve had it in the back of my mind for the last three years and it’s not going to delay book four, but it’s going to be good.

Oh, the suspense.