Philippa Gregory: What thought won't let you sleep? — FLAPSS

The question

What thought won't let you sleep?

Originally asked

The Guardian, to a different person each week, The Q&A

A long-running fixed question in The Guardian's weekly Q&A questionnaire.

You answer as yourself. Nobody on FLAPSS answers as anybody else.

PG

Philippa Gregory

Recorded said elsewhere, not written here

An exciting idea. I usually write for an hour or so, and then I go to sleep.

The Q&A, The Guardian, 30 March 2024 source ↗

Others on this question

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Martin Freeman English actor

Thinking about all the worst possible things: losing people, dying, how am I going to die? All that sort of stuff. I stay awake thinking about furniture and shoes as well. It’s not all death.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 19 January 2019 source ↗

Ethan Hawke Actor, director and novelist

Worrying about my kids.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 4 April 2015 source ↗

Natalie Imbruglia

I worry a lot about how to juggle being a single parent and working – scheduling keeps me up at night!

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 18 July 2026 source ↗

Adam Lambert American singer

Online shopping for clothes.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 25 February 2023 source ↗

More from Philippa Gregory

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Question What period or moment in your life brought you the most joy? Time & hindsight

I’m a lucky woman – I was walking in the rain yesterday and was really happy.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 30 March 2024 source ↗

Question What trait do you most dislike in other people? Values & belief

Trolling, meanness and male violence.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 30 March 2024 source ↗

Question What would you most want to leave your children? Death & what remains

I’d like them to inherit my optimism.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 30 March 2024 source ↗

Question What disappointment has stayed with you longest? Failure & regret

I was very sorry to stop at two children – I would have liked to have had a third – and I am very sorry to have got divorced.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 30 March 2024 source ↗

Question Which trait in yourself do you like least? Identity & self

I’m lazy domestically. I don’t do housework. My mother would have called me a slut.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 30 March 2024 source ↗

Question What do you fear most? Identity & self

I am spooked by water underground, water in drains and water in machinery. I am very frightened of mill wheels.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 30 March 2024 source ↗

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