FIRST of all, because I work for myself, I don't really have a "weekend" as such.

Last weekend was, of course, Independence Day, and I spent it writing. It's not really a big holiday for us. I had a little meal with my neighbours in the evening but that was it.

The concept of the "weekend" is a moving target for me.

During the week, I'll try to take one day as a typical fun day.

My ideal weekend during the winter would involve flying to Colorado to go skiing. During the summer, I'll take my BMW M3 to a rally track. I don't race but I like to drive fast and time myself.

In the evenings, I love to plan dinner parties and cook for friends.

Being a writer can be a solitary life and I'm a very sociable person. I really miss those water cooler moments so I love inviting people over.

I collect wine and recipes. I recently cooked a curry dinner for some friends. I've done coq au vin with cous cous and I've done pork tenderloin – all very varied.

I've got Jamie Oliver's and Nigella's books and I've got this amazing Indian fusion book by Vicky Bhogal.

I find it very relaxing to cook after sitting at my computer for such a long time.

My partner Madelyn is currently travelling around the country taking our champion Briard Hengo to all the dog shows.

Hengo is an amazing dog. I believe he's the number one of his type of dog in this country right now.

We've just retired Chance who won three Westminsters – that's the American version of Crufts.

We have a grand total of eight Briards.

Music-wise, I love classical, jazz and Celtic: groups like Clannad. I knew about Enya before anybody else.

At the moment, I've been listening to Afro-pop music.

I'm in this internet thing called the Legal Napster which lets you download as many songs as you want so I make up these huge playlists. It's great.

I also love reading – that's what started me in crime writing.

I love all the usual ones – Conan Doyle, Raymond Chandler, Agatha Christie. Ian Rankin. I'm a big Rebus fan. I love Swedish crime writers – people like Liza Marklund. They can be a little bit dark but then, so is their country for eight months of the year! My favourite is John Le Carre. I have to be careful with reading though because I'm a bit of a sponge and I will tend to pick up other people's styles. I don't do it intentionally There's no risk of stealing their ideas but, if I read Le Carre, I find myself so moved by his prose that little things get absorbed into my writing. When I read it back, I can see that and I have to take it out and start again.

I'm in Nottingham for two days later this month for a book-signing. I've been there lots of times before and done all the touristy things – been to the castle, seen Sir Bloomsalot.

I went to one of the best restaurants I've ever been to in my life in Nottingham. I can't remember the name – it's near a busy road. Sat Bains? Yes, that's it. It was absolutely amazing. I will have to twist my publisher's arm to see if I can go back there! It has a Michelin star? It's well deserved.

Jeffery Deaver will be speaking about his latest book Roadside Crosses at Waterstone's, Bridlesmith Gate on Tuesday, July 29 at 6.30pm. Call the bookshop to reserve a ticket on 0115 948 4499 (tickets cost £3, redeemable against purchase of the book on the evening).