The hotel in which we met was perhaps not what you would have expected from a woman who, by her own admission, was most comfortable in dungarees and Wellington boots. The establishment in question had a double-height reception hall, an industrial spiral staircase, and contemporary lighting. There was also a mezzanine library with recessed shelving and plush velvet furniture, which is where I chatted to Catriona over a pot of tea and a slice of her favorite lemon cake. She was wearing a pleated black skirt with turquoise silk blouse, and her hair was styled in a loose chignon. She was animated, relaxed, and even asked our waiter if she could buy the tea set, which was decorated around the rim with paintings of turtledoves, from the hotel. If I hadn’t known otherwise, I would never have guessed the woman seated across from me had only months left to live.

You’re about to give a lecture to the next generation of writers. What is it you’ve enjoyed most about teaching here?

I never had the opportunity to go to university myself, not least because it wasn’t as commonplace for women back then as it is now. But also because I never believed I was good enough, certainly never thought I would end up here. I am a strong advocate of the fact that all children, irrespective of their gender, race, socioeconomic background, should be encouraged to reach for the stars, to be the very best version of themselves they can possibly be.

I have no degree, no formal literary training, and yet am now teaching at one of the most renowned universities in the world. There is no one pathway to success anymore, indeed what does the word even mean?

What does it mean to you?

When I first began to write, it was out of a simple curiosity for the world. A way to put down onto paper all the crazy ideas and characters I kept thinking about. But I never considered it to be anything more than a hobby and certainly never dreamt it would take me on the incredible journey I’ve been fortunate enough to enjoy. Success should never be measured by the amount of money, or things, you have, but more the sense of achievement it gives you.

How much of your own success do you put down to happenstance?

One could argue that life is nothing but a series of serendipitous events, both good and bad. I try to adhere to the rule that there’s a balance to this universe, this life, and no matter how much pain and hardship we face, there is always something, or someone, to give you hope.

There’s a quote from Anne of Green Gables that I have pinned up on my refrigerator at home, which pretty much says it all: “I don't know what lies around the bend, but I'm going to believe that the best does.”

What gives you hope?

My granddaughter, Emily.

You’ve spoken before about how the idea for Ophelia came from her.