Katy Hayes (31) is a writer and theatre director. Her novel, Curtains, was published recently. She lives in Ranelagh, Dublin with her husband, Tony Roche, an academic and critic.
. How much sleep do you need?
Eight hours. In the past, I used to thrash around the bed, making a racket, and occasionally waking up roaring, in a vice grip with the pillow But since I met my husband - and started sharing a bed with him - I've started sleeping much better. Marriage sedated me.
. Do you take much exercise?
I walk a lot, mainly along the canal, though I think that this exercises my spirit more than my body. I go swimming with my sister Trudy in a purely recreational fashion. Afterwards we drink coffee and catch up on news.
. Are you an early morning person?
No. My brain doesn't kick in until about midday. Prior to that I tend to do household chores or correspondence. My best writing time is the afternoon.
. Are you careful about what you eat?
Yes. I eat very little rubbish. I eat a varied diet including almost everything and I avoid tins and prepacked foods. Everything now seems to be in some degree poisonous, so I try not to eat too much of any one thing.
. Do you drink or smoke too much?
I used to be a party animal smoking, drinking, dancing till dawn, but I find I don't have the energy for it anymore. I gave up smoking in January 1986, and I'm mainly off them, though I do have the occasional furtive breakout. However, now to compensate, I drink far too much tea and coffee. Addiction, like energy, cannot be destroyed, merely commuted.
I think I started to take my health and lifestyle more seriously when I hit thirty. When I was in my twenties I thought I would live forever. Quitting the fags has made me put on a bit of weight, so my next health project will be to lose that.
. Are there any foods you hate?
Porridge, mushy peas. Anything with a regurgitated texture. And spinach, for which I took an illogical dislike at an early age.
. Does your work make you stressed?
The theatre work does, but as I've moved more towards writing, I have become a lot less stressed. My nails have grown. Theatre directing runs on adrenalin, while writing is a meditative occupation which leaves me feeling very much in touch with myself, man. However, the promotional stuff - readings, signings, etc - takes its toll.