RETIRED engineer-turned-author from Blaenavon, Pat Madden, 67, whose latest book is entitled The Lock of Tianaju’s Hair.

If you had to be stuck in a lift with someone, who would it be and why?

Any girl that was in my class in Park Street School, Blaenavon. She would be able to give me the names of everyone in our class, because every boy I’ve ever asked can only remember the two of us.

What is your biggest fear?

Being lost in the fog again. It happened to me one morning as I was walking over the Blaenavon Mountain that we call Badgers. Just as I was heading back home the fog came down and I lost the path. I was worrying about stepping into a bog. Thankfully I found my way home.

Do you have any superstitions?

I was superstitious up until the summer of 1976 when I walked around a window cleaner’s ladder, slipped off the curb, twisted my ankle and broke my finger.

If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?

Ben Haenow’s X Factor winning single Something I Need because it’s the best song I’ve heard for decades.

What is the most expensive thing you've bought, not including property?

It was a pearl white Jackson Charvel guitar, model 6. I bought it in Edinburgh for £500 thirty years ago. My wife, Lorraine constantly tells me that if I could only play it, it would have been worth it.

What is the best piece of advice you've been given?

It was by an old gardener. He said, “If you want to plant an apple tree, do it now. Because if you don’t, this time next year you will be wishing that you did.” This applies to everything in life.

What is your indulgence?

Going into town everyday with my wife Lorraine. While she goes shopping I have a coffee in Tesco’s and work on my next book. Though when she comes back after two hours or so, I’ve only written about two sentences.

What item could you not live without?

My car as I would not be able to visit my family so often.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

I would like to be a more fluent speaker in a one to one conversation.

Where are you next going on holiday?

Wales of course. Where else?