"What do you do?"

Well, for the last 43 years I've earned my living as a professional writer in a range of guises – film & TV, advertising, articles, books and songs – some more profitable than others. At the height of my 'career' I was Executive Creative Director at a large multinational advertising group, after which I ran my own consultancy. Then my biggest client went bust, took down my company, had to sell the big house to help my employees and pay the bank, and I suddenly saw the benefits of downsizing. Now, in between growing my own food, writing two novels and the occasional song, I work as a copywriter for an advertising agency that specialises in the over-50s market – mainly writing mailings and ads for charities (Age UK, RSPB etc.). With an 11-year old daughter still to provide for, even at 62, retirement seems a long way away.