Sophie Kinsella, novelist: 'All of my own heroines have a snippet of me somewhere'

Kinsella says: 'I read several Agatha Christie books every year - they're my comfort read of choice' (Getty Images)

Where are you now and what can you see?

I'm in my office in London and I can see rooftops out of the window. There's a rather lovely roof garden that I keep looking at instead of writing.

What are you currently reading?

The Circle by Dave Eggers. It's a novel that paints a picture of a technology-obsessed world that we've so nearly arrived at. I think everyone with a computer should read it.

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

I read several Agatha Christie books every year – they're my comfort read of choice – and I never guess the ending. Even if I've read the book before and think I remember who did it, I'm usually wrong! That's quite a feat.

Describe the room where you usually write

I've just moved into a new office which is very tidy, but before long it'll be filled with papers, cups and chocolate bar wrappers. It will also be lined with my foreign editions, which I love. I don't understand a word, but they look very pretty.

Which fictional character most resembles you?

All of my own heroines have a snippet of me somewhere. I'll go for Becky Bloomwood (obsessional shopaholic) meets Samantha Sweeting (obsessional workaholic lawyer)… does that give you a clue?

Who is your hero/heroine from outside literature?

[The American author and activist] Helen Keller. Her story is incredible and inspiring.

Sophie Kinsella's latest novel, 'Shopaholic to the Stars', is published by Bantam Press (£18.99)