I'm very aware we are the first generation ever to have such incredible opportunities to express ourselves publicly to a worldwide audience.

Having instant feedback on twitter to research material I'm considering is an enormous help.

On Twitter, people who had read my book followed me and I could see what else they were reading, why they'd liked what I'd written and by the by, more about them than I'd ever elicit from two minutes in a tent at a book festival, stuck behind a signing desk.

I didn't expect to love being online as much as I do. I've met some wonderful people and discovered that however arcane some of my interests that there are people out there who are interested too.

The net has provided a level playing field for criticism and comment - anyone and everyone is entitled to their opinion - and that is one of its greatest strengths.

I believe that being able to communicate directly with readers is a boon. I certainly enjoy it as much as they do.

The mass communications that could enable our politics for good have instead turned it into a bland conglomeration of stinted opinion cloaked in the occasional media frenzy of blame or denial.

I'm a professional writer and I consider it part of my job to publicise my work and these days part of that job is done online.

We are living in glorious days where each readers' voice can be heard.