Gazing out of the window, I see grey skies, muddy puddles and a blustery wind, forcing my neighbours to grip tightly to their umbrellas and briefcases, as they hurry to work.  For me, however, I have the luxury of tapping away on my keyboard, still wearing my fluffy pyjamas, no make-up and nursing a steaming mug of coffee.  I love working from home.

But this isolation can come with a few drawbacks.  I often go days without communicating with the living (I write fantasy, so I am in constant contact with the deceased!).  My children do speak to me in passing, as they hurtle in and out of the house for school, college, or their lively social lives (me, jealous?).  My mum is always on the end of the phone when I need her, but meeting people face-to-face can often be shoved to the bottom of the to-do list, especially…