FIRST IMPRESSIONS: Alexander McCall Smith
What are you working on at the moment?
I am currently writing volume 17 of The No 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency, called Precious And Grace, which will be published later this year. I am also working on the latest book in the 44 Scotland Street series.
When were you at your happiest?
It is difficult to say, but I think after the age of 45.
What is your greatest fear?
That reincarnation may prove to be true and I come back as something lower down the food chain!
What is your earliest memory?
My earliest memory is of looking into a little silver mug I had and drinking my Ribena from it. I think I must have been about two or three.
What do you most dislike about yourself?
Where to start?
Who has been your greatest influence?
I would probably say my family.
What is your most treasured possession?
I own a lovely green silk jacket that I had made for me in Thailand but which is now old and threadbare.
What trait do you most deplore in others?
I really don’t like sloppy speaking habits so that you can’t understand what is being said.
What do you most dislike about your appearance?
I should really leave others to comment on that.
What is your favourite book?
The book that means the most to me is Collected Shorter Poems by WH Auden. I carry it with me on my travels and never tire of it.
Favourite film?
Casablanca. This is an absolute classic with some gorgeous lines.
Alexander applauds Auden’s poems, classic film Casablanca, Mozart’s music and scrambled eggs with smoked salmon
Favourite piece of music?
Mozart’s Soave Sia Il Vento from Così Fan Tutte. It’s a divine piece of music and its message is lovely: may the breeze that takes you on your journey be a gentle one.
What more would we wish for anybody?
What is your favourite meal? I am very fond of scrambled eggs and smoked salmon.
Who would you most like to come to dinner?
I would like to invite old friends – people with whom I can share memories and jokes.
What is the nastiest thing anyone has ever said to you?
I only confess to remembering the nice things.
Do you believe in aliens?
They could exist – why not? Currently we have no evidence of their existence. I am always astonished at the number of people who claim to have either seem them or been abducted by them.
What is your secret vice?
Eating cashew nuts.
Do you write thank-you notes?
I always try to write to say thank you, but many people don’t bother, which is a pity.
Which phrase do you most overuse?
I often write about the sky being ‘an attenuated blue’. My editors have pointed this out to me and I am trying to do it less frequently.
What single thing would improve the quality of your life?
A geographical shift in the position of Scotland so that we have the same climate as the South of France – although I think that, on balance, this is unlikely!
Can you tell me one thing people might not know about you?
I am a regular attender at the gym.
What would you like your epitaph to say?
Died terribly old.
Alexander McCall Smith’s new novel, My Italian Bulldozer, is published on 19 May by Polygon, £14.99: www.polygonbooks.co.uk
I am currently writing volume 17 of The No 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency, called Precious And Grace, which will be published later this year. I am also working on the latest book in the 44 Scotland Street series.
When were you at your happiest?
It is difficult to say, but I think after the age of 45.
What is your greatest fear?
That reincarnation may prove to be true and I come back as something lower down the food chain!
What is your earliest memory?
My earliest memory is of looking into a little silver mug I had and drinking my Ribena from it. I think I must have been about two or three.
What do you most dislike about yourself?
Where to start?
Who has been your greatest influence?
I would probably say my family.
What is your most treasured possession?
I own a lovely green silk jacket that I had made for me in Thailand but which is now old and threadbare.
What trait do you most deplore in others?
I really don’t like sloppy speaking habits so that you can’t understand what is being said.
What do you most dislike about your appearance?
I should really leave others to comment on that.
What is your favourite book?
The book that means the most to me is Collected Shorter Poems by WH Auden. I carry it with me on my travels and never tire of it.
Favourite film?
Casablanca. This is an absolute classic with some gorgeous lines.
Alexander applauds Auden’s poems, classic film Casablanca, Mozart’s music and scrambled eggs with smoked salmonFavourite piece of music?
Mozart’s Soave Sia Il Vento from Così Fan Tutte. It’s a divine piece of music and its message is lovely: may the breeze that takes you on your journey be a gentle one.
What more would we wish for anybody?
What is your favourite meal? I am very fond of scrambled eggs and smoked salmon.
Who would you most like to come to dinner?
I would like to invite old friends – people with whom I can share memories and jokes.
What is the nastiest thing anyone has ever said to you?
I only confess to remembering the nice things.
Do you believe in aliens?
They could exist – why not? Currently we have no evidence of their existence. I am always astonished at the number of people who claim to have either seem them or been abducted by them.
What is your secret vice?
Eating cashew nuts.
Do you write thank-you notes?
I always try to write to say thank you, but many people don’t bother, which is a pity.
Which phrase do you most overuse?
I often write about the sky being ‘an attenuated blue’. My editors have pointed this out to me and I am trying to do it less frequently.
What single thing would improve the quality of your life?
A geographical shift in the position of Scotland so that we have the same climate as the South of France – although I think that, on balance, this is unlikely!
Can you tell me one thing people might not know about you?
I am a regular attender at the gym.
What would you like your epitaph to say?
Died terribly old.
Alexander McCall Smith’s new novel, My Italian Bulldozer, is published on 19 May by Polygon, £14.99: www.polygonbooks.co.uk