Amélie Nothomb, 41, has published a novel every year since Hygiène de l’Assassin (1992). A phenomenally popular writer in France, Nothomb was born in Kobe, Japan, to Belgian diplomat parents. She studied philology in Brussels. Métaphysique des tubes (2000) was translated into English and retitled The Character of Rain. Nothomb won the Grand Prix du Roman de l’Académie Francaise in 1999 for Fear and Trembling. She lives in Paris.

Do you have a daily writing routine?

I wake at 4am every day, and drink half a litre of strong tea on an empty stomach. Then I jump on my paper and pen and write for four hours. I do this every day without exception.

Where do you write best?

At home on my sofa. But if I’m unable to do that I’ll write on a plane or train.

What books are currently on your bedside table?

Rainer Maria Rilke’s Letters to a Young Poet; the Bible; Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray – in French.

Can a person be taught to write?

I don’t believe they can. I think writing classes are absurd. It’s like having love classes.

What is your favourite form of procrastination?

I’m unable to procrastinate. I’m unable to think about tomorrow.

What music helps you write?

None, it’s impossible. When I write, I feel I’m writing my own music, so any other musical influence would kill it.

What do you snack on while you write?

Nothing but water. Sometimes I have breakfast after writing but often I spend the day responding to all the letters I get from my readers so I don’t eat until the evening.

What is the hardest thing to write about?

Love. It’s the closest to grotesque my writing can get. It’s such a strong feeling and it seems so ridiculous when it’s written about.

Who would you like to be stuck in a lift with?

Björk. She fascinates me very much.

What keeps you awake at night?

Absurd fears can keep me awake. And love, too. I usually only sleep from midnight until 4am, so insomnia doesn’t usually affect me.

When were you happiest?

Until I was about 12 years old. Becoming a teenager was not a nice experience.

What was the first novel you read?

Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables .

Amélie Nothomb’s latest novel is ‘Tokyo Fiancée’ (Europa Editions)