Pat Sharp: ‘My mullet was cool but I couldn’t have it now. I’d look like Joe Exotic’

The haircut may be long gone, as are the TV spots, but the DJ is unbowed. In his surprisingly readable new autobiography he is leaning into his inner Alan Partridge

Bertie Carvel: ‘I like playing characters who are massively chipped’

The star of Doctor Foster and The Pale Horse on how becoming a father changed his life, and why he relishes roles that come with a “deliberate flaw”

Rick Riordan: ‘I feel very protective of my fans. I am aware of my responsibility to make them feel safe’

The author talks about terrible Hollywood adaptations, writing LGBTQ characters for his passionate fans, and saying goodbye to Percy Jackson

Dawn French: ‘I feel genuine grief about what is going on in the arts’

The comedian on working under Covid restrictions, exploring the nature-nurture debate in her new novel, and debating politics with her uncle

John Gray: ‘What can we learn from cats? Don’t live in an imagined future’

The philosopher’s new book attacks the idea that any ideology has the answers to life’s questions – but advice from cats might be his exception…

Nicole Krauss: ‘The idea of manhood is so beleaguered’

The novelist on writing in the voices of men, the benefits of having a dual identity, and lockdown jogging alongside New York’s mayor

Claire Wilcox: ‘When I look at clothing, I’m thinking about narratives’

The V&A’s fashion curator has written an acclaimed memoir about her life among the many dresses, hats, shoes and other items the museum houses

His Dark Materials’ Nina Sosanya and Amir Wilson: ‘We all just clicked’

The two actors on shared interests, diversity in TV, and the pressure of living up to the books

Chris Hoy: ‘I had no natural ability as a cyclist!’

The Olympic hero has written Be Amazing, an inspirational book for children that reveals how they too can be champions, with help from Stoic philosophy, sports psychology – and Beyoncé

Love Island’s Ovie Soko: ‘It takes guts to live by your internal compass’

The TV show fan favourite who won hearts with his self-possession and sound advice has written a self-help book. How can we be more ‘dope’?

Alan Arkin on Hollywood success: ‘I was miserable pretty much all of the time’

In his mid-30s, the actor was living the dream, but was far from happy. As he publishes his memoir Out of My Mind, he talks about turning his life around – and the disgraced guru he pinned his hopes on

Bubbles, bacteria and me: Sandor Katz on why fermentation isn’t a fad

The American author explains why he has been extolling the virtues of kimchi, sourdough and pickles for 25 years

Don DeLillo: ‘I wondered what would happen if power failed everywhere’

The US novelist, long preoccupied by the uneasy reality of western society, talks about his latest book, set in a world hit by a tech blackout

Meg Mathews: ‘I feared my colourful 90s life had caught up with me’

She felt anxious, depressed and overwhelmed, until she realised it was the menopause, writes Sophie Heawood. Now Meg Mathews is on a mission to get women talking about it without shame

Nadiya Hussain: ‘I want to blend in. But the truth is, I’m never going to blend in’

Five years after winning Bake Off, she’d love to just talk about baking and cookbooks. But then there’s diversity in TV, mental health, the pandemic…