Does the early bird get better results?I’ve always thought I was one of those people who likes to get things done and out of the way before giving themselves permission to relax, the type who gets up early and revels in having the world to themselves before anyone else is about.

But I’m beginning to wonder whether it’s just strong childhood conditioning, reinforced by years of running an office cleaning company when early mornings were essential, and topped off by many years of self-deception.

I discovered while on my MA writing course and later while writing the book that I struggled to get going with work during the day, whereas in the evening I somehow relaxed and slipped into it, it became much easier and time just slid by.  But I didn’t want to accept that might be my preferred style of working.  I liked the idea of experiencing that virtuous feeling when you’ve done all you can and feel justified in relaxing for the evening.  It seems more logical too – shouldn’t one be brighter after a good night’s sleep and wind down with the day?

Or maybe I need to accept that the Muse is an elusive creature and doesn’t always descend to fit in with human timetables.  Although Somerset Maugham apparently said ‘I write only when inspiration strikes.  Fortunately it strikes every morning at nine o’clock sharp.’

Or maybe we’re all completely different and what is procrastination for one person can simply be acknowledged by another as the wrong timing.