Emma Quirk, 36, currently lives in Port Erin, with husband John and their two children, Ryan, aged 14 and Gypsy-Mae aged 9.

Emma and John are the organisers behind the Manx Litfest, which has grown to a six-day event, featuring visiting guest authors, local writing events, open poetry and short story competitions and children’s book days.

Emma is responsible for the family day activities, looking after the visiting authors and general troubleshooting.

Emma also runs ’Mrs Q Assistance’, an online virtual assistant offering help in event planning, marketing, office administration and social media promotions.

What is your idea of a perfect meal?

My favourite meal is a homemade lasagne with additional spinach, a glass of red wine and a leafy salad, eaten around the dining table with family and friends.

What is your favourite way to relax?

Simply with a good book, sitting in my favourite reading chair.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Books, real printed books. There are no e-books in our house. Also, a nice gin, but not always in that order.

Do you have any pets?

Yes, we have a three-legged cat, Rambo, a golden retriever, Indiana, and two guinea pigs Rhino and Dandelion.

What is your greatest achievement?

Hmm, that is difficult one. I want to say climbing Everest or walking the great wall of China but as I haven’t done either of these things I will have to say raising two reasonably happy children. The Great Wall of China and Everest will still be there when they are fully grown.

What is your favourite time of the year?

Autumn. More specifically Litfest week! I love seeing all the planning come together.

What is the first job you ever had?

I had a summer job working in a screen printing shop.

Do you have any irrational fears?

Spiders, although I am getting braver.

What is your worst habit?

Biting my nails.

What is your favourite book?

The Red Tent by Anita Diamant.

What is your favourite TV programme?

Currently The Good Wife (I know, I am very behind the times!)

What is your favourite band/artist at the moment?

Jamie Cullum helps keep me calm during the chaos of festival week.

What is your favourite part of the Isle of Man?

I love walks with the dog around Cringle plantation.

What is the last show/band that you saw live?

The Gipsy Kings at the Royal Albert Hall.

If time/money were no object, what would be your perfect day?

A full day walking and picnicking with the dog and family followed by dinner with great friends and family and a really nice bottle of wine.

Choose three people, dead or alive, to invite to dinner?

Lucy from Attic24, my now deceased grandfather, Fred, and Susan Hill creator of ghost stories such as Woman in Black and The Small Hand.

Which do you prefer:

Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings?

Harry Potter

Cats or dogs? .

Bothâ?¦

Birthday or Christmas? Christmas.

Starter or pudding? Starter.Quiet night in or night out? Night out.