I was beset by the notion that it was impossible for me to live up to a reputation which was
I was beset by the notion that it was impossible for me to live up to a reputation which was largely undeserved.But Rosie twisted my arm to start writing again, and eventually I did start again – if she hadn’t pushed me I doubt I would have. Without her encouragement, I would have rested on my laurels until they rotted away beneath me. She motivated me through a combination of sticks and carrots. She can be strict; I’m terribly bad at delivering things on deadline.The first thing I remember about Rosie’s house was how many books there were It was completely full of them. She’s probably the best-read person I know, and must get through about four or five books a week. I wouldn’t say she’s an intellectual, but she’s incredibly well-informed about the most arcane things.The other great quality about Rosie is how game she can be, particularly as an editor.
She has this indefatigable enthusiasm for taking extraordinary risks. I think her editorial philosophy is admirable: she’s ideologically vigorous with an interest in weighty subjects. And she’s prepared to spend money on them, which is astonishing. Lots of glossy magazine editors see their product as wrapping paper for advertising, whereas Rosie is interested in the deeper stuff. Another great thrust of hers is fun – she has wild enthusiasms for boy’s own adventure stories.I like the way she’s a gambler, and she’s so spontaneous. You can phone her up on a Friday evening and say, “Let’s fly to Scotland and go salmon fishing,” and she’ll say, “Let’s do it.” Or I’ll say, “I want to go to Kathmandu to do a story that I might not get, and it’s going to cost a fortune.” And she’ll still say, “That sounds great.
Do it.”Certain people have addictive personalities – possibly myself and Rosie do, although by the time I met her, she’d gone through her really wild times. The problem with people who give up drink or other substances is that life becomes greyer. Rosie fights the grey in an extremist way; she tries to make every day into some sort of adventure. I don’t think she can get through the nine-to-five without something dangerous to deal with.About two years ago, she came out to South Africa to visit me. We had a great time in Sun City casino one night and won a lot of money.
